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This guide covers Phasmophobia crossplay on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and VR as of October 2026. Yes, Phasmophobia is crossplay: up to four players on Steam, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S can hunt together in one lobby. Crossplay means players on different platforms share the same online session. Progress does not carry over between platforms.Key TakeawaysPhasmophobia has crossplay between PC (Steam), PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, available since the console early access launch on October 29, 2024.VR and non-VR players can join the same lobby, with up to four players per game.Kinetic Games has not announced cross-progression, so levels and unlocks stay on the platform where you earned them.According to Kinetic Games, the Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives together with Phasmophobia 1.0 in the second half of 2027.Phasmophobia Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC (Steam) + PS5 + Xbox Series X|SYes, crossplayVR (PC VR, PS VR2) + non-VR playersYes, in the same lobbyCrossplay on consoles sinceOctober 29, 2024 (console early access launch)Crossplay settingOptional, can be switched on or offMax players per lobby4Cross-progressionNot announced; progress stays on each platformPS4 / Xbox OneNo version availableNintendo Switch 2Coming with 1.0 in the second half of 2027; crossplay not detailedGame statusEarly Access (v0.19.1.0, October 2026)Is Phasmophobia Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Yes, Phasmophobia is crossplay in 2026. Players on PC through Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2 and Xbox Series X|S can join the same lobby and investigate together. Kinetic Games describes the game on its official page as co-op for up to four players, cross-platform. A mixed group of friends does not need to own the game on the same system to play together, as long as every player is on one of the supported platforms.Phasmophobia crossplay has been live since October 29, 2024, when the game launched in early access on PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, as reported by Gematsu and TrueAchievements at launch. Before that date, Phasmophobia was a PC-only game on Steam. The console versions launched with crossplay from day one, so console and PC players shared the same online sessions from the start.Phasmophobia crossplay is optional. When Kinetic Games announced the console versions, the studio said that all platforms will feature optional crossplay, which means each player can switch it on or off in the game settings. Players who prefer to match only with people on their own platform can turn it off, while groups with friends on different systems should keep it on.Is Phasmophobia Crossplay With PC and Xbox?Phasmophobia is crossplay with PC and Xbox, and with PlayStation too. A Steam player can host a lobby that friends on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 join, and a console player can host for PC friends in the same way. There is no restriction between console brands either, so PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can investigate together, which is not a given in many other co-op games.Phasmophobia platform support is simple to check in one place. The table below shows which platform combinations can play together as of October 2026, based on Kinetic Games, the Steam store page and coverage of the console launch. Older consoles and the upcoming Switch 2 version are listed separately, because neither is part of crossplay today.Platform combinationCrossplay in October 2026PC (Steam) + PS5YesPC (Steam) + Xbox Series X|SYesPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesPS VR2 + PC, PS5 or XboxYesPC VR + flat-screen PC or consoleYesPS4 or Xbox OneNo version availableNintendo Switch 2Not released yet; crossplay not detailedCan VR and Non-VR Players Play Phasmophobia Together?VR and non-VR players can play Phasmophobia together in the same lobby. The Steam store page says the game supports all players together and lets you play with friends using any combination of input types. In practice, one friend can wear a PC VR headset while another uses a mouse and keyboard and a third uses a controller, all in the same investigation.PlayStation VR2 owners are part of the same crossplay pool. Phasmophobia launched on PS VR2 on October 29, 2024, alongside the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, and PS VR2 players can join flat-screen PS5, Xbox and PC players. On PC, VR support is part of the regular Steam version, so a Steam player can switch between VR and a monitor without buying a second copy.Get Phasmophobia on KinguinHow to Join Friends in Phasmophobia Across PlatformsJoining friends in Phasmophobia across platforms works through a room code rather than a shared friends list. One player hosts a private room, the game shows a code, and the other players type that code to join. Menu names differ slightly between versions and community guides, so the steps below use the general flow rather than exact button labels.Phasmophobia players who cannot find a friend's room should first check two things, according to community guides. Every player needs crossplay switched on, since a player with crossplay off will not connect to a lobby with another platform. Every player should also pick the same server region as the host. Guides disagree on whether a region mismatch blocks joining or only adds lag, so matching regions is the safe choice.Every player opens the game settings and makes sure crossplay is switched on.Everyone selects the same server region as the host.The host opens the multiplayer menu and creates a private room.The host shares the room code shown on screen with the group.Friends choose the option to join a private room and enter the code.Once up to four players are in the lobby, the host picks a contract and starts the investigation.Does Phasmophobia Have Cross-Progression?Phasmophobia does not have cross-progression as of October 2026. Cross-progression means one save, with your level, money and unlocked equipment, follows you across platforms. Kinetic Games has not announced the feature in its patch notes or roadmap posts, and community guides report that progress stays on the platform where you earned it. A level reached on Steam does not appear on a PS5 or Xbox copy.Crossplay and cross-progression in Phasmophobia are separate features. Crossplay lets a Steam player and a PS5 player share a lobby, while each of them keeps their own save on their own platform. Players who plan to move from PC to console, or from Xbox to PlayStation, should expect to start progression again on the new platform, since no official transfer tool has been announced.Phasmophobia on PS4, Xbox One and Switch 2Phasmophobia is not available on PS4 or Xbox One. The console version launched only on PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, and Kinetic Games has not announced versions for older consoles. Players with friends on last-generation hardware cannot join them, because there is no PS4 or Xbox One copy to play on. The only route is moving to a current-generation console or PC.Phasmophobia is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, but not in 2026. Kinetic Games announced the Switch 2 version at The Game Awards in December 2025. In its June 24, 2026 post, Phasmophobia 2026 and Beyond, the studio said 1.0 moves to the second half of 2027 and that the Switch 2 version will arrive at the same time. Kinetic Games has not yet detailed whether Switch 2 players will join crossplay lobbies.Phasmophobia is still in early access in October 2026, with version 0.19.1.0 released on October 6, 2026, per Kinetic Games' patch notes. Crossplay already works across PC, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S during early access, so groups do not need to wait for 1.0. If you still need a copy, Kinguin lists Phasmophobia, and buying the version for the platform you play on is all that matters for crossplay.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Phasmophobia crossplay with PC and Xbox?Yes. Phasmophobia players on PC through Steam and on Xbox Series X|S can join the same lobby, and PS5 and PS VR2 players can join too. Crossplay is optional, so every player in the group should check that it is switched on in the game settings.Can PC and PS5 players play Phasmophobia together?Yes. PC players on Steam and PS5 players can play Phasmophobia together, including PS VR2 users. The host creates a private room, shares the room code, and friends on other platforms enter it to join. Matching server regions helps avoid connection problems.Can PS5 and PC crossplay?In Phasmophobia, yes. PS5 and PC crossplay has worked since the console early access launch on October 29, 2024. Crossplay support varies by game, so for other titles check the publisher's own support pages before buying a copy on a different platform than your friends.Is Phasmophobia cross-platform?Yes. Phasmophobia is cross-platform across PC (Steam), PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, with up to four players per lobby. Cross-progression is a different matter: Kinetic Games has not announced it, so levels and unlocks stay on each platform.Is Phasmophobia on PS4 or Xbox One?No. Phasmophobia is available on PC, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S only. Kinetic Games has not announced PS4 or Xbox One versions. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is planned for the second half of 2027, alongside the 1.0 release.SourcesKinetic Games: Phasmophobia (official game page)Kinetic Games: Phasmophobia 2026 and Beyond (June 24, 2026)Kinetic Games: Phasmophobia v0.19.1.0 Patch Notes (October 6, 2026)Steam: Phasmophobia store pageGematsu: Phasmophobia Early Access for PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series launches October 29
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This guide covers Helldivers 2 crossplay on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same match. Yes, Helldivers 2 has full crossplay: PC, PS5 and Xbox players can squad up together. Progress, however, stays on each platform, because the game has no cross-progression.Key TakeawaysHelldivers 2 supports crossplay between PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and crossplay can be turned off in the game.Helldivers 2 launched on Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025, with crossplay from day one, according to Xbox Wire.Cross-platform friends are added with a friend code from the Social tab.Helldivers 2 has no cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy, and Arrowhead Support says there are no plans to add cross-progression at this time.Helldivers 2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC + PS5 + Xbox Series X|S crossplayYes, all three platforms play togetherXbox Series X|S releaseAugust 26, 2025 ($39.99 base game)Original release (PS5 and PC)February 8, 2024Crossplay toggleOn by default, can be turned offCross-progression / cross-saveNo, and no plans at this time per Arrowhead SupportCross-buyNoSquad sizeUp to 4 playersHow to add cross-platform friendsFriend code in the Social tabPS Plus needed for onlineOn PS5 only; not on SteamPSN account on SteamGame prompts linking on first launchIs Helldivers 2 Crossplay? The Short AnswerYes, Helldivers 2 is crossplay on every platform it is sold on. Arrowhead Support states that Helldivers 2 features cross-play between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, so a squad of up to four players can mix Steam, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S accounts in the same mission. Friends on different platforms can host or join each other's ships, as long as crossplay is enabled for everyone.Helldivers 2 crossplay covers matchmaking and missions, not your account. Each platform keeps its own progression, Warbonds, Super Credits and unlocks, so playing on a second platform means starting from scratch there. The rest of this guide explains which platforms play together, how to add friends from another platform, the PlayStation Network question on PC, and what to check when crossplay does not work.Which Platforms Can Play Helldivers 2 Together?Helldivers 2 crossplay connects three platforms: PC through Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game first launched on February 8, 2024, on PS5 and Steam, according to the Arrowhead FAQ, and crossplay between those two was part of the game from launch. Xbox joined in 2025, which made the player base shared across all three platforms. On Xbox, the game is available on the Series X|S consoles.Helldivers 2 has crossplay switched on by default, and the Arrowhead FAQ confirms that players can disable it. Turning crossplay off limits matchmaking to your own platform, which can mean fewer available squads at higher difficulties. For a mixed group of friends, crossplay needs to stay on for every player in the squad.Platform pairCan play together?PC (Steam) + PS5YesPC (Steam) + Xbox Series X|SYesPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesAny platform with crossplay turned offOnly with the same platformHelldivers 2 on Xbox: Release and CrossplayHelldivers 2 came to Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025, according to Xbox Wire and the Xbox Store listing. The base game is listed at $39.99 on Xbox, and pre-orders offered a Standard Edition and a Super Citizen Edition. The Xbox Wire announcement promised cross play on all platforms from launch.Helldivers 2 on Xbox uses the same live galaxy and the same missions as the PC and PS5 versions, so Xbox players join the existing community instead of a separate one. Official Xbox Wire posts and the Xbox Store page do not mention a PlayStation Network account for the Xbox version. Xbox players who already own the game on another platform still need to start a new account, because purchases and progress do not carry over.Get Helldivers 2 on KinguinHow to Add Cross-Platform Friends With a Friend CodeHelldivers 2 adds friends from other platforms through friend codes, not through Steam, PSN or Xbox friend lists. According to Arrowhead Support, the Social tab shows your friends list, players you recently played with, pending invitations and blocked players. From there you can search for a player by friend code or generate your own code to share. Guides describe the code as eight digits long.Helldivers 2 also lets you send a request from the recent players list, which is handy after a good random match. Arrowhead Support says the Social tab opens from the Pause menu while you are on a ship, or with Tab on PC and X on PS5; Xbox players can reach it through the Pause menu.Make sure crossplay is turned on for both players.Board your ship and open the Social tab from the Pause menu.Player one generates a friend code and shares it.Player two enters the code in the friend code search and sends a request.Player one accepts the request under pending invitations.Invite the new friend to your ship from the friends list.Do You Need a PSN Account to Play Helldivers 2?Helldivers 2 on Steam asks PC players to link a PlayStation Network account. According to Arrowhead Support, the game prompts you to link Steam to PSN on first launch and shows a QR code and a log-in link. The Steam store page also lists PlayStation Network as a required third-party account that supports linking to Steam. Creating a PSN account is free.Helldivers 2 became the center of a PSN controversy in May 2024, when PlayStation planned to make linking mandatory and then said the update will not be moving forward after a wave of negative Steam reviews, as reported by several outlets at the time. Players report that the prompt still appears, so plan for linking on PC. Official Xbox pages mention no PSN account for the Xbox version.Helldivers 2 online play on PS5 requires PS Plus, while Steam players do not pay for PS Plus to play online, according to the Arrowhead FAQ. Linking Steam and PSN does not unlock anything across platforms either. Arrowhead Support states that linking does not copy game data between the PS5 and PC copies of the game.Does Helldivers 2 Have Cross-Progression?Helldivers 2 does not have cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy as of October 2026. Arrowhead Support, in an article updated on October 13, 2026, says progression, DLC and limited-time items such as pre-order armor stay on the account and platform where you earned or bought them. Player Support cannot merge accounts or move items between accounts, and it grants no exceptions.Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead has been clear about the future too: its support page says "We have no plans to implement cross-progression at this time." In November 2025, CEO Shams Jorjani said the studio would love to add it but that it was far from the priority. Players moving from PS5 to PC or Xbox, or the other way around, should expect to rebuild Warbonds and unlocks from zero.Helldivers 2 Crossplay Not Working: Quick ChecksHelldivers 2 crossplay problems usually come down to settings or friend requests rather than the platforms themselves. Earlier patch notes listed issues with cross-platform friend invites not showing up, so a request that seems lost is worth sending again before assuming something is broken. The checklist below covers the common fixes, in the order most players try them.Check that crossplay is enabled for every player in the squad.Confirm everyone is on the latest game update.On PC, finish linking your PSN account if the game asks for it.Resend the friend request using a freshly generated friend code.Restart the game, then try the invite again from the friends list.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Helldivers 2 going to be cross-platform?Helldivers 2 already is cross-platform. PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can play together, and Xbox joined with crossplay when the game launched there on August 26, 2025. Crossplay is on by default and can be turned off.Can Xbox and PS5 play Helldivers 2 together?Yes. Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players can share a squad of up to four in Helldivers 2. Both players need crossplay switched on and must add each other with a friend code from the in-game Social tab.Does Helldivers 2 have cross-progression?No. Helldivers 2 has no cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy, so items and progress stay on each platform. Arrowhead Support says the studio has no plans to implement cross-progression at this time.Do you need a PSN account to play Helldivers 2 on PC?Helldivers 2 on Steam prompts PC players to link a free PSN account on first launch, per Arrowhead Support, and the Steam page lists PSN as a third-party account. PlayStation dropped a mandatory linking plan in May 2024.How do you add friends cross-platform in Helldivers 2?Open the Social tab from the Pause menu on your ship, generate a friend code and share it. Your friend searches for that code, sends a request, and you accept it under pending invitations.SourcesArrowhead Support: Does Helldivers 2 have cross-progression?Arrowhead Support: How do I link my Steam account to a PlayStation Network account?Arrowhead Support: How do I send/accept a friend request?Arrowhead Support: Helldivers 2 FAQXbox Wire: Helldivers 2 is Coming to Xbox on August 26Xbox Wire: Helldivers 2 Out on Xbox TodaySteam: Helldivers 2 store page
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This guide covers which GTA 5 and GTA Online platforms can play together in 2026. No, GTA 5 is not crossplay: PC, PlayStation and Xbox players cannot share sessions, and Rockstar has not announced plans to change that. The only cross-platform play happens between PC launchers, and only when everyone runs the same PC edition.Key TakeawaysGTA 5 and GTA Online have no crossplay between PC, PlayStation and Xbox, and no crossplay has been announced as of October 2026.GTA 5 players on PC can play together across all PC launchers if everyone runs the same edition, Enhanced or Legacy.Since June 18, 2026, Rockstar offers a free upgrade to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version for PS4 owners and digital Xbox One owners.A GTA Online character can be migrated once from PS4 or Xbox One to current-gen consoles, but never between console and PC.GTA 5 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)PlatformsCan they play together?PC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplayPlayStation + XboxNo crossplay, on any console generationPS4 + PS5 / Xbox One + Xbox Series X|SSeparate GTA Online sessions on the current-gen versionSteam + Epic + Rockstar Launcher + Xbox app (PC)Yes, if everyone is on the same edition (Enhanced or Legacy)PC Enhanced + PC LegacyNo, separate GTA Online instancesMove character PS4/Xbox One to PS5/Xbox Series X|SYes, one time per profileMove character between console and PCNo, in either directionFree upgrade PS4 to PS5 / Xbox One digital to Xbox Series X|SYes, since June 18, 2026 (not physical Xbox One discs)Crossplay announcedNoWhat Do Crossplay and Cross-Progression Mean in GTA 5?Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same online session. Cross-progression means one save follows a player across platforms and stays in sync. GTA 5 and GTA Online support neither in that modern sense. Rockstar instead offers a one-time character migration: a profile is copied to a new platform once, and from then on the old and new versions develop separately.GTA Online splits players into three platform families: PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Players only meet others inside their own family, and console players also need to be on the same generation of the game. On PC, the store does not matter, but the edition does. The sections below explain each rule, starting with the console brands and ending with a setup checklist for mixed friend groups.Can Xbox and PlayStation Play GTA 5 Together?Xbox and PlayStation players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online together on any console generation. The rule covers PS4 with Xbox One, PS5 with Xbox Series X|S, and every mixed pairing in between. Rockstar Support describes cross-network play as something that applies only to PC platforms, and no equivalent exists between the two console brands. No menu setting connects the two player bases.Rockstar has not given a reason for the missing PlayStation and Xbox crossplay, so explanations found on forums are guesses rather than Rockstar policy. A mixed console group has one practical option: one player switches to the other brand. A GTA Online character from PS4 or Xbox One can follow that player once to the other brand's current-gen console, with the money rules covered in the character migration section.Can PC Play GTA 5 With PS4, PS5 or Xbox?PC players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online with anyone on PS4, PS5, Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S. According to Rockstar Support (article last updated June 17, 2025), "Cross-network play only applies to gameplay between PC platforms (Rockstar Games Launcher, Steam, Epic Games Launcher, Xbox app on PC, etc.). Players on PC cannot play with players on console." The rule applies to both PC editions and every console generation.Rockstar offers no supported workaround for a PC player who wants to join a console lobby, and GTA Online progress cannot move between console and PC in either direction. A PC player whose friends are on PS5 has three realistic choices: buy the PS5 version and start a new character, move the group to PC, or play with a different crew on PC.Can PS4 and PS5 (or Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S) Play GTA Online Together?PS4 and PS5 players, and Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, usually cannot meet in GTA Online. According to community guides and player reports, the current-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X|S version runs separate sessions from the PS4 and Xbox One version. Players also report that a PS5 owner can run the PS4 version through backward compatibility to join PS4 friends, though Rockstar has not documented this.The free GTA V upgrade is the simplest fix for mixed-generation groups. According to Rockstar Newswire (June 17, 2026) and Rockstar Support, since June 18, 2026 anyone who owns GTA V on PS4, disc or digital, or the digital Xbox One version can get the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version at no cost. A PS4 disc must be in the PS5. Physical Xbox One discs are excluded, and Rockstar has given no end date.GTA Online is still live on PS4 and Xbox One in October 2026, and Rockstar has not announced a shutdown. The Kortz Center Heist reached PS4 and Xbox One in July 2026, but the Rockstar patch notes list more recent updates for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC only. Groups that want the newest content should move to the current-gen version.Do Steam, Epic and Rockstar Launcher Players Play GTA 5 Together on PC?GTA 5 players on PC can play together regardless of the store they bought from. Steam, Epic Games Store, Rockstar Games Launcher and Xbox app on PC copies all share GTA Online sessions, so a friend with an Epic copy can join a Steam player. The edition is the part that matters. Since March 4, 2025, GTA V on PC comes in two editions, Enhanced and Legacy.GTA V Enhanced and GTA V Legacy run as separate GTA Online instances. According to Rockstar Newswire (February 20 and March 4, 2025), players who remain on Legacy cannot play in sessions with players on Enhanced, even when both bought the game in the same store. PC owners get both editions, so a PC friend who cannot find a session should first check which edition each player launched.Get GTA V on KinguinCan You Move a GTA Online Character Between Platforms?GTA Online characters can move from PS4 or Xbox One to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S once per profile, started from the Landing Page or Pause Menu. According to Rockstar Support's migration page (updated February 24, 2026), the move can cross brands, such as Xbox One to PS5. Unspent GTA$ bought through Shark Cards does not transfer across brands, while earned GTA$ does, so players should spend Shark Card money first.Rockstar Support lists two blocked routes: no migration between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and no migration between console and PC in either direction. On PC, moving from Legacy to Enhanced is a manual, one-time migration rather than an automatic one. After that move, the Legacy progress is kept but no longer syncs with the Enhanced character, so the two profiles drift apart.Will GTA 5 or GTA 6 Get Crossplay?Rockstar has not announced any plan to add crossplay to GTA 5 or GTA Online, either between PC and consoles or between PlayStation and Xbox. A search of Rockstar Newswire and Rockstar Support in October 2026 found no such announcement. Until that changes, GTA Online groups should plan around the current rules: same platform family, same console generation and, on PC, the same edition.GTA 6 releases on November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, according to Rockstar Newswire (June 24, 2026), and no PC version has been announced. Rockstar describes GTA 6 as "a single player experience". Rockstar has said nothing official about GTA 6 Online or crossplay, so claims that GTA 6 will support crossplay are unconfirmed.How Do You Set Up GTA Online With Friends on Different Platforms?GTA Online groups avoid most matchmaking problems by checking platform, generation and edition before anyone buys or reinstalls the game. The steps below summarize the rules from the earlier sections in the order a mixed group should check them.Pick one platform family for the whole group: PC, PlayStation or Xbox.On consoles, move everyone to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version; PS4 and digital Xbox One owners can use the free upgrade.On PC, ignore the store and agree on one edition, Enhanced or Legacy.Before switching console brands, spend any Shark Card GTA$ and migrate the character once.Accept that a move between console and PC means starting a new character.Buy the GTA V version that matches your group's platform and edition, for example on Kinguin.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan Xbox and PS play GTA together?Xbox and PlayStation players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online together on any generation, and Rockstar has not announced plans to add it. One player has to switch brands; a PS4 or Xbox One character can be migrated once to the other brand's current-gen console.Can PS4 GTA 5 play with PC?PS4 players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online with PC players. Rockstar Support states that players on PC cannot play with players on console, and that rule also covers PS5 and Xbox. GTA Online characters cannot be moved between PS4 and PC either.Can I play GTA 5 Online on PC and PS5 together?GTA Online has no crossplay between PC and PS5. Rockstar limits cross-network play to PC launchers, so a PC player and a PS5 player need to be on the same platform. Progress cannot move between PC and PS5, so the switching player starts a new character.Will GTA 6 have crossplay?Rockstar has not announced crossplay for GTA 6. GTA 6 launches November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and Rockstar calls it a single player experience. Nothing official exists yet about GTA 6 Online, so crossplay claims remain unconfirmed.Can Steam and Epic Games players play GTA Online together?Steam and Epic Games Store players can play GTA Online together when both run the same PC edition. GTA V Enhanced and GTA V Legacy are separate online instances, so a Steam player on Enhanced cannot join an Epic player on Legacy.SourcesRockstar Support: Unable to join GTA Online sessions with Xbox app on PC (cross-network play, updated June 17, 2025)Rockstar Support: Free GTA V upgrade to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S (updated June 18, 2026)
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Some evenings are simply made for staying in. Your favorite blanket is waiting on the couch, there's something warm in your favorite mug, and you've already decided that absolutely nothing is getting you out of your comfy clothes tonight. All that's missing is a good game. And perhaps a little surprise from us 🤎This autumn, Kinguin and Razer have teamed up for a special Cozy Gaming Giveaway, bringing together our love for relaxing games, cute gaming setups, and those wonderfully lazy evenings when the only thing on your schedule is enjoying yourself.We're celebrating Kinguin's Cozy Sale with a chance to win some seriously lovely gaming gear, including a Nintendo Switch 2, Razer headphones, and an adorable Pokémon-themed collection. A little something for your cozy gaming cornerWe believe your gaming setup should feel like your own little happy place. Maybe yours is full of fairy lights, plushies, and pastel accessories. Maybe it's a simple desk with a comfy chair and a very important cup of coffee. Whatever your perfect gaming corner looks like, we've got a few things that might make it even lovelier.Together with Razer, we're giving away three prize packages made for gaming days, quiet evenings, and everything in between.🧸 1st Place: The ultimate gaming eveningOur grand prize winner will receive:Razer Barracuda X Chroma White – wireless gaming headphones for getting lost in your favorite worlds.Nintendo Switch 2 – a whole new collection of gaming adventures waiting to happen.Just imagine putting on your headphones, getting comfortable under your blanket, and spending the evening exploring a new game. No plans, no rush, just a little time for yourself.🌸 2nd Place: A Pokémon dream setupIf your ideal gaming setup involves pink accessories and ridiculously cute Pokémon, this prize might have your name written all over it.Our second-place winner will receive the Pokémon Razer Collab Pikachu & Eevee Collection Gaming Gear, a matching set featuring a headset, keyboard, mouse, and mouse mat. Yes, Pikachu and Eevee. Yes, it's pink. And yes, we're a little obsessed too.🎀 3rd Place: Kitty ears, obviouslyOur third-place winner will receive the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro, a pink gaming headset with adorable kitty ears.Because sometimes you want great gaming audio, and sometimes you also want to look like the cutest person in the Discord call.Cozy games, autumn evenings, and a little extra loveOf course, a cozy gaming setup deserves some equally lovely games. That's why our Kinguin Cozy Sale is here to make your autumn gaming plans even sweeter, with selected cozy games discounted by up to 86%.Fancy spending the evening running a little bakery? Taking care of your farm? Decorating your dream home? Or simply disappearing into a beautiful game world for a few hours?We've gathered games for all kinds of peaceful evenings, and there's even an extra treat waiting for you: use code COZY8 for an additional discount on eligible offers. You bring the blanket and snacks. We'll help with the games.Ready to make this autumn a little sweeter? 🍯Our Kinguin x Razer Cozy Gaming Giveaway is all about celebrating the little things that make gaming feel special. Your favorite game after a long day, a cute new accessory on your desk, or a weekend when you finally have time to play something you've been looking forward to.And who knows? Maybe your next gaming evening will come with a brand-new Razer setup. Enter the Kinguin x Razer Cozy Gaming Giveaway through our official contest page, follow the participation instructions, and check the terms and conditions for eligibility and deadlines. .kg-cozy-mini-v4 { transition:box-shadow .2s ease !important; } .kg-cozy-mini-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 22px rgba(80,45,30,.12) !important; } .kg-cozy-mini-v4:focus-visible { outline:3px solid #f26621 !important; outline-offset:3px !important; } Good luck, little autumn gamers. We're rooting for you! 🧸🤎
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Twenty-two years later, we’re going back to where it all began.World of Warcraft: Forever is now live, opening the doors to a new version of original Azeroth built for players who remember their first trip to Stormwind just as much as those who have absolutely no idea why everyone keeps shouting “FOR THE HORDE”. Both are welcome. Forever is an unusual chapter for World of Warcraft. It isn’t simply another expansion added to the end of the existing game, nor is it Classic with prettier lighting. Instead, it creates another permanent home alongside Modern and Classic WoW: an Azeroth rooted in the game’s original era, but free to grow in its own direction through new stories, zones, dungeons and updates.For longtime players, familiar roads can now lead somewhere genuinely new. For everyone who has spent the last 20 years looking at WoW from the outside and thinking surely it is far too late to start now, Forever may be one of the easiest opportunities to finally find out what all the fuss is about.So, before you choose a faction, spend two hours creating your character and develop an unhealthy relationship with the Auction House, here’s what you need to know. WORLD OF WARCRAFT: FOREVER · QUICK FACTS NOW LIVE Enter Azeroth now PC Battle.net MMORPG Shared online world LEVEL 1–60 The journey matters again What exactly is World of Warcraft: Forever?Let’s start with the newcomers. World of Warcraft is an MMORPG, which is a very efficient way of saying that thousands of people share an enormous online fantasy world and spend their time questing, exploring, fighting monsters, running dungeons, collecting gear, learning professions, fighting each other and standing in capital cities showing off mounts that took an unreasonable amount of time to obtain.That world is Azeroth, and it has been WoW’s home since 2004. Across more than two decades of expansions, Azeroth has changed enormously. Modern World of Warcraft kept moving forward, while WoW Classic allowed players to revisit older versions of the game.Forever takes a different path. It returns to the spirit and geography of original Azeroth, but instead of preserving that world exactly as it was, Blizzard is expanding it. Familiar places sit alongside new and enlarged zones, more than 1,000 new quests, new dungeons, secrets and stories that build outward from WoW’s first age.The level 1–60 journey matters again, and this version of Azeroth is designed to continue evolving through future content rather than simply replaying the expansion path WoW has already travelled. Wklejony tekstThat is probably the easiest way to understand Forever: Classic asks what it was like to play old WoW again. Forever asks what old WoW could have become if Azeroth had taken another road. If you have never played World of Warcraft before, you don’t need 22 years of homework to start here.And if you have played World of Warcraft for 22 years, you have probably already stopped reading this section and started arguing about class balance somewhere. Welcome home. What is new in World of Warcraft: Forever?Quite a lot. The addition you will probably notice first is Skyborne, the new playable elven race from Zephras Isle. The race splits along faction lines: Windshaper Skyborne join the Horde and can become Shamans, while High Order Skyborne join the Alliance and can become Mages.Forever also adds new race-and-class combinations, including Forsaken Paladins, Dwarf Shamans, Orc Mages, Troll Warlocks, Human Hunters and Gnome Priests. The familiar classes themselves have also been reworked, with updated abilities and specializations designed to preserve their original identities while giving players more options. And then there is Azeroth itself.The world has received environmental and lighting upgrades, but the important changes go much deeper than presentation. Blizzard has filled the 1–60 journey with new stories, locations, secrets and dungeons, giving veterans reasons to wander away from routes they could probably still navigate with their eyes closed.Professions are much more involved too, with more than 600 new recipes, new crafted bonuses and profession objects that can be placed at campsites. The new Camping system lets players create temporary camps in the world where adventurers can rest, repair, access profession tools and contribute useful objects and buffs before continuing their journey.And if you’re already thinking about leveling your third alt before your first character has reached max level, Forever has something specifically for you. The new Legacy System adds account-wide progression through challenges involving classes, professions, PvP, exploration, dungeons and raids. Completing them earns Legacy Points that unlock perks and cosmetic rewards across your account. In other words, Forever gives you plenty of reasons to take the long way around. Veteran WoW players will understand exactly how dangerous that sentence is. Horde or Alliance? Yes, you still have to chooseSome traditions survive everything. The Alliance brings together races including Humans, Dwarves, Night Elves and Gnomes, while the Horde includes Orcs, Trolls, Tauren and Forsaken.Forever expands those possibilities further with the Skyborne, whose two branches join opposing factions. For a brand-new player, the practical answer is simple: choose whichever side has the race, fantasy and friends you actually want to play with.The emotionally correct answer is considerably more complicated and has caused arguments since 2004. CAST YOUR VOTE ALLIANCE Glory. Duty. Azeroth. HORDE Strength. Honor. Zug zug. CHOOSE YOUR SIDE ABOVE COMMUNITY: 48% ALLIANCE · 52% HORDE Which World of Warcraft: Forever edition should you get?This is where things can get confusing for a new player, so let’s make it simple. You do not need to buy a separate base game to access World of Warcraft: Forever. Access is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time.Blizzard also offers optional Forever upgrade packs with additional content such as Skyborne access, cosmetics, mounts, pets and other extras.The Skyborne Heroic Pack is the first upgrade tier. It is mainly for players who want access to Skyborne and Zephras Isle alongside its additional cosmetics and extras.The Skyborne Epic Pack includes the Heroic content, additional collectibles and 30 days of Game Time.Then there is the limited-time Warcraft Forever Collection, which bundles the Epic content with Warcraft III: Reforged and the new Forsaken Kingdom campaign. If you’re already hearing the Warcraft login music in your head, you probably know which category you belong to. .wow-product-module a.wow-cta { position:absolute !important; left:12px !important; right:12px !important; bottom:10px !important; display:block !important; height:42px !important; margin:0 !important; padding:0 !important; background:#ff4b0b !important; border-radius:999px !important; text-decoration:none !important; z-index:30 !important; } .wow-product-module a.wow-cta::after { content:"VIEW OFFER →" !important; position:absolute !important; top:0 !important; left:0 !important; display:block !important; width:100% !important; height:42px !important; color:#ffffff !important; font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif !important; font-size:13px !important; line-height:42px !important; font-weight:900 !important; text-align:center !important; text-decoration:none !important; pointer-events:none !important; } .wow-product-module a.wow-cta:hover { background:#e94408 !important; } AVAILABLE ON KINGUIN Choose your way into Azeroth View all → BETA ACCESS WoW: Forever Closed Beta Battle.net · PC · CD Key HEROIC PACK Skyborne Heroic Pack Battle.net · Altergift EPIC PACK Skyborne Epic Pack Battle.net · Altergift FULL COLLECTION Warcraft Forever Collection Battle.net · Altergift Marketplace prices can change. Check the product page for the current price, region, delivery method and activation requirements.Because Kinguin is a marketplace, multiple sellers can offer the same product. Competing offers can mean a lower price than standard retail, so there is little reason to memorize a number from an article that may change tomorrow.Check the current offers when you are actually ready to enter Azeroth. Is Kinguin safe for buying World of Warcraft: Forever?If you’re new to Kinguin, this is a fair question.Kinguin has operated as a digital marketplace since 2013 and serves millions of customers globally. It currently holds a 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating from more than 123,000 reviews, while payment security measures include a dedicated Fraud Prevention and Response team operating 24/7.Payment details are also not shared with third-party marketplace sellers.As with any marketplace purchase, however, you should still read the listing before paying. Check whether you are buying a key or Altergift, make sure the region matches your Battle.net account, read the activation instructions and check the seller information.Some Forever listings on Kinguin use Battle.net gifting rather than a standard CD key, so the delivery process may differ between products. Thirty seconds spent checking the listing is considerably faster than opening a support ticket because you bought the wrong region. BUYING ON KINGUIN 4.6/5 Trustpilot 123,000+ customer reviews Since 2013 Millions of customers globally 24/7 protection Fraud Prevention & Response Secure payments Payment details stay private Check the listing Key · Altergift · region New to WoW? Here’s what you’re actually going to do in AzerothThis is the part trailers sometimes make unnecessarily complicated. You create a character by choosing your faction, race and class, then enter Azeroth at level one.From there, you explore. You meet characters who give you quests. You fight enemies and grow stronger. You discover towns and cities, learn professions, find better equipment and gradually venture into more dangerous parts of the world.Eventually, you can enter dungeons, where a small group works together against tougher enemies and bosses. At higher levels, raids bring larger groups together for some of WoW’s biggest challenges. If fighting other players sounds more interesting, PvP is waiting. And if none of that sounds interesting, WoW has spent more than two decades proving that people will happily log in and spend an entire evening fishing.There is no single correct way to play World of Warcraft. Some players chase the hardest bosses in the game. Some live for PvP. Some collect mounts. Some make gold through professions. Some level twelve different characters because apparently one identity wasn’t enough.And somebody reading this will spend four hours jumping around Stormwind while talking to their guild. That counts too.How does Gold work in World of Warcraft: Forever?Ah, WoW Gold. You will meet each other very quickly.Gold is the everyday currency of Azeroth and touches an enormous amount of what you do. Players use it for trading, gear, consumables, crafting materials and plenty of other useful things throughout their adventures. You can absolutely earn Gold simply by playing.Questing, professions, trading and selling things you find are all part of the normal WoW experience. You can also eventually discover that the thing you desperately want costs considerably more Gold than you currently possess.This is another long-standing WoW tradition. For players who would rather spend their limited gaming time questing, running dungeons or preparing for raids instead of farming currency, Kinguin’s in-game marketplace provides another option. Kinguin already has World of Warcraft: Forever Gold listings for EU and US, separated by faction and realm type. Need gold for the road? View all → Choose your region and realm type, then explore the available offers. EU · NORMAL Alliance Gold WoW Forever · EU Normal VIEW OFFER → EU · PVP Alliance Gold WoW Forever · EU PvP VIEW OFFER → EU · ROLEPLAY Alliance Gold WoW Forever · EU Roleplay VIEW OFFER → US · NORMAL Alliance Gold WoW Forever · US Normal VIEW OFFER → US · PVP Alliance Gold WoW Forever · US PvP VIEW OFFER → US · ROLEPLAY Alliance Gold WoW Forever · US Roleplay VIEW OFFER → Scroll to explore more offers → WoW Gold isn’t the only shortcutKinguin’s Forever marketplace also includes categories for Currencies, Items and Boosting, which means the in-game section can grow beyond Gold as more player-to-player offers appear. But there is a useful rule here, especially if you’re new:Play the game first. Learn what you enjoy. Then decide where you actually want to save time.There is little point buying something simply because another player says you “need” it. WoW is enormous. What matters to somebody pushing difficult endgame content may be completely irrelevant to somebody happily exploring Azeroth, leveling professions and collecting pets. Your journey does not need to look like somebody else’s. Even if their gear looks annoyingly good. .wow-more-master .wow-more-button { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-more-master .wow-more-button:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(242,102,33,.23) !important; } MORE FROM AZEROTH Looking for Gold, items or boosts? Explore the full World of Warcraft marketplace. SEE ALL WOW OFFERS → Returning veteran? Here’s the short versionYou already know what Azeroth is.You know what it feels like when a dungeon run becomes an entire evening. You probably have strong feelings about at least one class redesign, one capital city and one expansion somebody else inexplicably loves. So here is what actually matters.Forever takes the original level 1–60 Azeroth and gives it somewhere new to go.It isn’t simply repeating the old expansion timeline. There are more than 1,000 new quests, new and expanded areas, new dungeons, revamped classes, expanded race/class combinations, Skyborne, deeper professions, Camping and account-wide Legacy progression.Is World of Warcraft: Forever worth playing?For newcomers, Forever offers something World of Warcraft has struggled to offer for years: a natural place to begin. You don’t arrive feeling like everyone else has been living in this world for two decades while you desperately Google what happened in twelve expansions.Everyone starts at level one. Veterans get something different.The continents are familiar, but the assumption that you already know exactly what waits around the next corner is gone. And that might be Forever’s most interesting idea.Instead of simply asking players to relive World of Warcraft’s past, it takes that past and asks: What if Azeroth got another future? .wow-faq-v1, .wow-faq-v1 *{ box-sizing:border-box !important; } .wow-faq-v1 .wow-faq-row{ transition: background .2s ease, border-color .2s ease, transform .2s ease !important; } .wow-faq-v1 .wow-faq-row:hover{ background:#ffffff !important; border-color:#d7c38a !important; } .wow-faq-v1 .wow-faq-question{ cursor:pointer !important; user-select:none !important; } .wow-faq-v1 .wow-faq-icon{ transition: transform .25s ease, background .2s ease !important; } BEFORE YOU ENTER AZEROTH World of Warcraft: Forever FAQ No 20-year lore degree required. Do I need to buy World of Warcraft: Forever separately? + No. Access to World of Warcraft: Forever is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time. Optional Forever packs add additional content and extras. What is the difference between WoW Classic and WoW: Forever? + WoW Classic recreates earlier versions of World of Warcraft. Forever begins with an Azeroth inspired by the game's original era, but is designed to develop in a different direction through new quests, zones, dungeons, systems and future content. What is included in the Skyborne Heroic Pack? + The Skyborne Heroic Pack is aimed at players who want access to Skyborne and Zephras Isle together with additional cosmetics and extras. What is included in the Skyborne Epic Pack? + The Skyborne Epic Pack includes the Heroic content plus additional collectibles and 30 days of Game Time. Can you buy World of Warcraft: Forever Gold on Kinguin? + Yes. Kinguin has marketplace listings for World of Warcraft: Forever Gold across EU and US regions, including different faction and realm combinations. Always check the region, faction, realm and individual listing details before purchasing. Azeroth is waiting. Again.World of Warcraft has spent more than two decades becoming enormous. Forever does something surprisingly refreshing with all that history: it gives players another beginning.New players get an Azeroth they can enter without feeling like they arrived twenty years late. Veterans get familiar continents filled with roads they haven’t already walked a hundred times. Everyone starts again at level one and gets to find out what this version of the world becomes.If you’re ready to go, check the current World of Warcraft: Forever editions and Game Time on Kinguin, compare the available marketplace offers and make sure you have the correct region and activation method before buying.If you’re already playing and your bags are full but your wallet isn’t, WoW: Forever Gold and other in-game offers are waiting too. Then there is only one decision left. Horde or Alliance? Choose carefully. People have been arguing about this since 2004. There is absolutely no reason to stop now.
Read moreTwenty-two years later, we’re going back to where it all began. World of Warcraft: Forever is now live, opening the doors to a new version of original Azeroth built for players who remember their first trip to Stormwind just as much as those who have absolutely no idea why everyone keeps shouting “FOR THE HORDE.”Both are welcome. Forever is an unusual chapter for World of Warcraft. It isn't simply another expansion added to the end of the existing game, nor is it Classic with prettier lighting. Blizzard describes it as a new permanent home alongside Modern and Classic WoW: an Azeroth rooted in the game's original era that can continue growing in its own direction through new stories, zones, dungeons and updates.For longtime players, that means familiar roads can lead somewhere genuinely new. For everyone who has spent the last 20 years looking at WoW from the outside and thinking, surely it is far too late to start now, Forever might be one of the easiest opportunities to finally find out what all the fuss is about. So, before you choose a faction, lose several hours creating your character and develop an unhealthy relationship with the Auction House, here's what you need to know.What exactly is World of Warcraft: Forever?Let's start with the newcomers. World of Warcraft is an MMORPG, which is a very efficient way of saying that thousands of people share an enormous online fantasy world and spend their time questing, exploring, fighting monsters, running dungeons, collecting gear, learning professions, fighting each other and standing in capital cities showing off mounts that took an unreasonable amount of time to obtain.The world is Azeroth, and it has been the home of WoW since 2004. Over more than two decades, that world has changed enormously through expansions. Modern World of Warcraft has continued moving forward, while WoW Classic allowed players to revisit older versions of the game.Forever takes a different path. It goes back to the spirit and geography of original Azeroth, but instead of preserving that world exactly as it was, Blizzard is expanding it. There are familiar places alongside new and enlarged zones, more than 1,000 new quests, new dungeons, new secrets and stories that build outward from WoW's first age. The level 1–60 journey matters again, and the plan is for this version of Azeroth to continue evolving through future content rather than eventually progressing through the same expansions WoW has already had.That distinction is probably the easiest way to understand Forever. Classic asks what it was like to play old WoW again. Forever asks what old WoW could have become if Azeroth had taken another road. If you have never played World of Warcraft before, you don't need 22 years of homework to start here.If you have played World of Warcraft for 22 years, you have probably already stopped reading this section and started arguing about class balance somewhere. Welcome home.What is actually new in WoW: Forever? Quite a lot. The biggest addition you will notice immediately is Skyborne, the new playable elven race from Zephras Isle. The race splits along faction lines: Windshaper Skyborne join the Horde and can become Shamans, while High Order Skyborne join the Alliance and can become Mages. Forever also opens new race-and-class combinations including Forsaken Paladins, Dwarf Shamans, Orc Mages, Troll Warlocks, Human Hunters and Gnome Priests.The familiar classes themselves have also been reworked, with updated abilities and specializations designed to keep their original identities while giving players new options. Then there is the world. Azeroth has received environmental and lighting upgrades, but the important changes go deeper than presentation. Blizzard has filled the 1–60 journey with new stories, locations, secrets and dungeons, giving veterans reasons to wander away from the routes they could probably still navigate with their eyes closed.Professions are much more involved too, with more than 600 new recipes, new crafted bonuses and profession objects that can be placed at campsites. The new Camping system lets players build temporary camps in the world where adventurers can rest, repair, access profession tools and contribute useful objects and buffs before continuing their journey.And if you're already thinking about leveling your third alt before your first character has reached max level, Forever has something specifically for you. The new Legacy System adds account-wide progression through challenges involving classes, professions, PvP, exploration, dungeons and raids. Completing them earns Legacy Points that can unlock perks and cosmetic rewards across your account. It rewards experimenting with different parts of Azeroth without requiring you to abandon your main character to benefit from it.In other words, Forever gives you plenty of reasons to take the long way around. Veteran WoW players will understand exactly how dangerous that sentence is.Horde or Alliance? Yes, you still have to chooseSome traditions survive everything. The Alliance brings together races including Humans, Dwarves, Night Elves and Gnomes, while the Horde includes Orcs, Trolls, Tauren and Forsaken. Forever expands those possibilities further with the Skyborne, whose two branches join opposing factions.For a brand-new player, the practical answer is simple: choose whichever side has the race, fantasy and friends you actually want to play with. The emotionally correct answer is considerably more complicated and has caused arguments since 2004. #wowHordeState, #wowAllianceState { opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; } #wowDefaultState { opacity: 1; } #wowHordeTarget:target ~ #wowDefaultState, #wowAllianceTarget:target ~ #wowDefaultState { opacity: 0; } #wowHordeTarget:target ~ #wowHordeState { opacity: 1; } #wowAllianceTarget:target ~ #wowAllianceState { opacity: 1; } .wowCard { transition: opacity .25s ease, filter .25s ease; } .wowVoteText { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 1px; } .wowLink:hover .wowCard { filter: brightness(1.18); } .wowLink:hover .wowVoteText { text-decoration: underline; } CHOOSE YOUR ALLEGIANCE Pick your side H HORDE Strength. Honor. Zug zug. VOTE HORDE → A ALLIANCE Glory. Duty. VOTE ALLIANCE → THE BATTLE SO FAR 52% HORDE / 48% ALLIANCE 52% HORDE ALLIANCE 48% Choose your faction above. YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED 53% HORDE / 47% ALLIANCE 53% HORDE ALLIANCE 47% Lok'tar Ogar. Your allegiance has been sworn. YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED 51% HORDE / 49% ALLIANCE 51% HORDE ALLIANCE 49% For the Alliance. Your allegiance has been sworn. Which version of WoW: Forever should you get?This is where things can get confusing for a new player, so let's make it simple. You do not need to buy a separate base game to access World of Warcraft: Forever. Access is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time. Blizzard also offers optional Forever upgrade packs that add things such as access to the Skyborne race and its starting experience, mounts, cosmetics, pets and other extras.The Skyborne Heroic Pack is the first upgrade tier and is mainly for players who want access to Skyborne and Zephras Isle alongside its cosmetics and extras.The Skyborne Epic Pack includes the Heroic content plus additional collectibles and 30 days of Game Time.Then there is the limited-time Warcraft Forever Collection, which goes further by bundling the Epic content with Warcraft III: Reforged and the new Forsaken Kingdom campaign, making it the obvious enthusiast option for someone who wants the broader Warcraft package. And this is where it is worth checking the price before buying. .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6 { transition: transform .22s ease, box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6:hover { transform:translateY(-4px) !important; box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-cover-v6 { transition:transform .30s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6:hover .wow-cover-v6 { transform:scale(1.035) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-offer-v6 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-offer-v6:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-view-all-v6 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-view-all-v6:hover { border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } View all → Loading products... Marketplace prices can change. Check the product page for current price, region, delivery method and activation requirements.Because Kinguin is a marketplace, multiple sellers can offer the same product and competing offers can mean a lower price than buying at standard retail. That is why we would not tell you to memorize one number from this article. Check the current offers when you are ready to enter Azeroth.Is Kinguin safe for buying World of Warcraft: Forever?If you are new to Kinguin, this is a fair question. Kinguin has operated as a digital marketplace since 2013 and serves millions of customers globally. It currently holds a 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot from more than 123,000 reviews, while payment security measures include a dedicated Fraud Prevention and Response team operating 24/7. Payment details are also not shared with third-party marketplace sellers.As with any marketplace purchase, however, you should still read the listing before paying.Check whether you are buying a key or Altergift, make sure the region matches your Battle.net account, read the activation instructions and look at the seller information. Some Forever listings on Kinguin use Battle.net gifting rather than a standard CD key, so the delivery process can differ between products. Thirty seconds spent reading the product page is considerably faster than opening a support ticket because you bought the wrong region. .kg-trust-clean-v2 { transition:box-shadow .25s ease !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.08) !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-item { transition:transform .2s ease !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-item:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-check { animation:kgCleanPulse 2.8s ease-in-out infinite; } @keyframes kgCleanPulse { 0%,100% { transform:scale(1); } 50% { transform:scale(1.06); } } New to WoW? Here is what you're actually going to do in AzerothThis is the part that trailers sometimes make unnecessarily complicated. You create a character by choosing your faction, race and class, then enter Azeroth at level one. From there, you explore. You meet characters who give you quests. You fight enemies and grow stronger. You discover towns and cities, learn professions, find better equipment and gradually venture into more dangerous parts of the world.Eventually, you can enter dungeons with other players, where a small group works together against tougher enemies and bosses. At higher levels, raids bring larger groups together for some of WoW's biggest challenges. If fighting other players sounds more interesting, PvP is waiting. If none of that sounds interesting, WoW has spent more than two decades proving that people will happily log in and spend an entire evening fishing.There is no single correct way to play World of Warcraft. Some players chase the hardest bosses in the game. Some live for PvP. Some collect mounts. Some make gold through professions. Some level twelve different characters because apparently one identity wasn't enough. And some person reading this will spend four hours jumping around Stormwind while talking to their guild. That counts too.You are going to need gold. Probably more than you think.Ah, WoW Gold. You will meet each other very quickly. Gold is the everyday currency of Azeroth, and it touches an enormous amount of what you do. It can be used for trading with other players, buying gear and consumables, picking up crafting materials and paying for other useful things throughout your adventure. Kinguin already has dedicated World of Warcraft: Forever Gold marketplace listings across EU and US servers, with offers separated by faction and realm type.You can absolutely earn gold by playing. Questing, professions, trading and selling things you find are part of the normal WoW experience. You can also discover that the thing you desperately want costs considerably more gold than you currently possess. This is another long-standing WoW tradition. For players who would rather spend their limited gaming time questing, running dungeons or preparing for raids instead of farming currency, Kinguin's in-game marketplace provides another option for getting the gold they need. .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1 { transition: transform .20s ease, box-shadow .20s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1:hover { transform:translateY(-4px) !important; box-shadow:0 12px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.20) !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cover-v1 { transition:transform .28s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1:hover .kg-gold-cover-v1 { transform:scale(1.04) !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-arrow-v1 { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-arrow-v1:hover { transform:scale(1.06) !important; background:#f26621 !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cta-v1 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cta-v1:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 10px rgba(242,102,33,.22) !important; } .kg-gold-track-v1::-webkit-scrollbar { display:none !important; } Always select the correct region, faction and realm before purchasing. Delivery methods and times vary by seller.This module should not just be a product carousel. I would make the user choose EU/US → Horde/Alliance → realm type and only then display matching listings. It turns what would normally be a boring sales block into something that actually helps a WoW player avoid buying the wrong product.Gold isn't the only shortcutKinguin's Forever marketplace is structured around Currencies, Items and Boosting, which means the in-game section can grow beyond gold as more player-to-player offers appear after launch. That gives us a good rule for new players:Play the game first. Learn what you enjoy. Then decide where you actually want to save time.There is little point buying something simply because another player says you “need” it. WoW is enormous, and the things that matter to someone pushing endgame content may be completely irrelevant to someone who is happily exploring Azeroth, leveling professions and collecting pets. Your journey does not need to look like somebody else's. Even if their gear looks annoyingly good. .kg-wow-all-v2 { transition: transform .22s ease, box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; box-shadow:0 14px 30px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2 .kg-wow-all-cta-v2 { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2 .kg-wow-all-cta-v2:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(242,102,33,.24) !important; } MORE FROM AZEROTH More than gold awaits. Games, upgrades, currency, items and more — all things Warcraft in one place. SEE ALL WOW OFFERS → Returning veteran? Here's the short versionYou already know what Azeroth is. You know what it feels like when a dungeon run becomes an entire evening. You probably have strong feelings about at least one class redesign, one capital city and one expansion somebody else inexplicably loves.So here is what matters. Forever takes the original level 1–60 Azeroth and gives it somewhere new to go. It isn't simply repeating the expansion timeline. There are more than 1,000 new quests, new and expanded areas, new dungeons, revamped classes, expanded race/class combinations, Skyborne, deeper professions, Camping and account-wide Legacy progression. It is familiar enough that you will recognize home. It is different enough that you will need to explore it again.Azeroth is waiting. Again.World of Warcraft has spent more than two decades becoming enormous. Forever does something surprisingly refreshing with all that history: it gives players another beginning.New players get an Azeroth they can enter without feeling like they arrived twenty years late. Veterans get familiar continents filled with roads they haven't already walked a hundred times. Everyone starts again at level one and gets to find out what this version of the world becomes.If you're ready to go, check the current WoW: Forever editions and Game Time on Kinguin, compare the available marketplace offers and make sure you have the right region and activation method before buying. If you're already playing and your bags are full but your wallet isn't, WoW: Forever Gold and other in-game offers are waiting too.Then there is only one decision left. Horde or Alliance? Choose carefully, people have been arguing about this for 22 years. There is absolutely no reason to stop now.
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The games most like The Blood of Dawnwalker are Vampyr, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Vampyr is the closest vampire match, with a cursed protagonist, claw-based combat and feeding choices that change the world around you. The Witcher 3 shares its creative lineage and dark fantasy storytelling, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance II offers the directional melee combat and grounded medieval drama many Dawnwalker fans enjoy.Best Games Like The Blood of Dawnwalker at a GlanceVampyr — A 2018 vampire RPG where a doctor feeds on Londoners, the closest match to Coen's nightly hunger.Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines — Troika's cult vampire RPG with clan powers, sharp writing and choices that reshape every conversation.Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 — A 2025 sequel set among Seattle's vampires, offering supernatural powers but a mixed player reception.V Rising — A survival game where you rebuild a vampire's power, hunting at night and hiding from the sun.Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered — A remaster of two gothic action-adventures set in Nosgoth, rich in dark fantasy and brooding atmosphere.Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition — A gothic hack-and-slash about Gabriel Belmont fighting vampires and darker forces across a medieval Europe.The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition — A huge open-world RPG where the Dawnguard expansion lets you become a vampire lord.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — CD Projekt RED's dark fantasy RPG, directed by the man who now leads Rebel Wolves.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II — A first-person medieval RPG with directional swordplay and grounded storytelling in 15th-century Bohemia.Cyberpunk 2077 — CD Projekt RED's story-driven open-world RPG, built on the same studio tradition as Dawnwalker's team.Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian's turn-based fantasy RPG with deep choices and a vampire spawn among its companions.Mass Effect Legendary Edition — BioWare's remastered sci-fi trilogy, where choices and companions carry across three connected games.VampyrAction RPG · Vampire curse, feeding choices · for Players who want the closest vampire matchVampire: The Masquerade - BloodlinesImmersive vampire RPG · Vampire powers, dialogue-driven story · for Fans of classic RPG writingVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2Action RPG · Vampire abilities, night-time city · for Vampire fans tolerant of rough edgesV RisingSurvival, base-building · Day-night danger, blood management · for Players who enjoy co-op and craftingLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 RemasteredAction-adventure, platformer · Gothic dark fantasy, soul feeding · for Fans of classic story-driven adventuresCastlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate EditionHack and slash · Gothic vampires, melee combat · for Players who prefer action over dialogueThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionOpen-world RPG · Optional vampire transformation, open world · for Explorers who like long-term character buildsThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntOpen-world action RPG · Same director, dark fantasy writing · for Anyone who wants the studio's rootsKingdom Come: Deliverance IIFirst-person medieval RPG · Directional melee, grounded storytelling · for Players who love realistic sword combatCyberpunk 2077Open-world action RPG · CD Projekt storytelling, mature themes · for Story fans open to sci-fiBaldur’s Gate 3Turn-based CRPG · Choices matter, vampire companion · for Players who value branching storiesMass Effect Legendary EditionSci-fi action RPG · Strong protagonist, consequential choices · for Fans of companion-driven trilogiesWhat Makes a Game Feel Like The Blood of Dawnwalker?A game feels like The Blood of Dawnwalker when it pulls on one of two threads. The first is the vampire fantasy: playing a cursed hero, using supernatural powers, managing a hunger for blood and walking through a gothic world after dark. The second is the craft Rebel Wolves inherited from The Witcher 3: a defined protagonist, morally gray writing, quests with consequences and weighty melee combat where the direction of each swing matters. Coen's split between human days and vampire nights, under a 30-day deadline, adds time pressure that makes every choice feel costly.Games Like The Blood of Dawnwalker for the Vampire FantasyThese picks are for players who finished Dawnwalker wanting more nights as a monster. Each one puts vampires at the center, whether you play as one, hunt them or slowly become one, and most lean into gothic atmosphere, blood-driven powers and uneasy moral choices.VampyrReleased2018DeveloperDONTNOD EntertainmentPublisherFocus EntertainmentMetacritic score72Steam scoreMostly PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, HorrorSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS *: Windows 7/8/10 (64 bits) Processor: Intel Core i3-2130 (3.4 GHz)/AMD FX-4100 (3.6 GHz) Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: 2 GB, GeForce GTX 1050 (Legacy GPU: GeForce GTX 660) / Radeon R7 370 Storage: 20 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS *: Windows 7/8/10 (64 bits) Processor: Intel Core i7-3930K (3.2 GHz)/AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (3.2 GHz) Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: 4 GB, GeForce GeForce GTX 970 / GTX 1060 / Radeon R9 390 Storage: 20 GB available space Vampyr is a 2018 action RPG by DONTNOD Entertainment, and many Dawnwalker players call it the closest vampire game to Rebel Wolves' debut. You play Jonathan Reid, a doctor turned into a vampire in 1918 London, torn between his oath to heal and his need to feed. There is also a fun link between the two games: Anthony Howell, who voiced Jonathan Reid, plays Pieter, Coen's father, in The Blood of Dawnwalker. Players often point to the shared claw-based combat and the weight of deciding who you feed on.The core loop mixes third-person melee with vampire abilities that you unlock by drinking blood. The catch is that the most powerful experience comes from feeding on named citizens, each with a backstory, relationships and secrets you uncover through conversation. Kill someone and their district can slide toward chaos, so every meal reshapes the city. Combat is simpler than in Dawnwalker and leans on dodging, stamina and blood powers, but the choice system around feeding gives it a moral tension that very few other vampire games match.Vampyr holds a Metacritic score of 72 and a Mostly Positive rating from Steam players, which reflects a game with clear rough edges and a loyal audience. Its combat can feel stiff and some areas repeat, yet the atmosphere of plague-ridden London and the feeding dilemmas still land well. If Coen's nightly struggle with his hunger was the part of Dawnwalker that stayed with you, Vampyr is the most natural next step, and its modest system requirements make it easy to run on most current PCs.Get Vampyr on KinguinVampire: The Masquerade - BloodlinesReleased2004DeveloperTroika GamesPublisherActivisionMetacritic score80Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, HorrorSystem requirementsMinimum: Required: 3D hardware accelerator card required - 100% DirectX® 9.0c-compatible 64MB video card and drivers 1.2 GHz Athlon™ or 1.2 GHz Pentium® III processor or higher 384MB of RAM (512MB of RAM recommended) Microsoft® Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP * 3.3 GB of uncompressed hard disk space for game files and saved games (plus 1.4 GB for Windows® swap file) 100% DirectX® 9.0-compatible 16-bit sound card and drivers 100% Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP-compatible mouse, keyboard, and drivers DirectX® 9.0c * Does not support Windows XP 64 Supported Chipsets for 98/ME/200/XP: All ATI® Radeon® Chipsets All NVIDIA® GeForce(tm) Chipsets Matrox® Parhelia(tm) Chipset Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is a cult classic RPG from Troika Games, originally released in 2004 and published by Activision. It shares Dawnwalker's interest in what it means to live as a vampire among humans, but tells that story through dialogue, factions and dark humor. You create a newly turned vampire in Los Angeles, choose a clan and get pulled into the politics of the night. It holds a Metacritic score of 80 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, a sign of how well it has endured.Your clan defines how you play. Some open up persuasion and social manipulation, others favor stealth, brute force or blood magic, and each changes how characters react to you. Quests can usually be solved in several ways, and the writing gives even small side characters a strong personality. The combat, a mix of first- and third-person melee and gunplay, is the weakest part of the package and has not aged well. Players who come for the role-playing usually forgive it, because the choices feel more meaningful than the fights.Bloodlines is from 2004, and it looks and plays like it. Expect dated visuals, clunky controls and some technical quirks, and many players add community patches for a smoother run. What still holds up is the atmosphere and the writing, which explain why the game is remembered as one of the best vampire RPGs ever made. If you want to see where the modern vampire RPG grew from, or simply want a story full of memorable characters, it is worth the patience in 2026.Get Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines on KinguinVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2Released2025DeveloperThe Chinese RoomPublisherParadox InteractiveSteam scoreMixedCategoriesRPG, ActionSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) Processor: Intel Core i3-8350K | AMD Ryzen 3 3300X Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) | AMD Radeon RX 480 (8GB) | Intel Arc A580 (8GB, Resizable BAR enabled) | AMD Radeon 780M | ROG Xbox Ally X DirectX: Version 12 Storage: 30 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 11 Processor: Intel Core i5-12600K | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (8GB) | AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12GB) DirectX: Version 12 Storage: 30 GB available space Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 is a 2025 action RPG developed by The Chinese Room and published by Paradox Interactive. It is the long-awaited sequel to the 2004 cult classic and, like Dawnwalker, puts you in control of a vampire with powers that make you far stronger than the people around you. The setting moves to Seattle, where you navigate the politics of the city's vampire society while trying to keep your nature hidden from humans. It is the most direct modern answer to anyone who wants more vampire nights.Compared with the original, this sequel leans more toward action. Supernatural abilities are central to combat and movement, and you can mix them with melee attacks to handle groups of enemies. Dialogue and faction choices are still part of the experience, though the focus has shifted from a sprawling role-playing sandbox to a more guided story. For Dawnwalker fans, the most familiar element is the feeling of using vampire powers in fights, closer to Coen's night-time abilities than to traditional RPG spellcasting.Bloodlines 2 holds a Mixed rating from Steam players, so it is fair to approach it with tempered expectations. It does not carry the same reputation as the original, and players are divided on how well it lives up to that legacy. Still, it is one of the few recent big-budget games built entirely around playing a vampire. If you have already finished Vampyr and the first Bloodlines and want a modern take on the same fantasy, it is worth trying with that caveat in mind.Get Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 on KinguinV RisingReleased2024DeveloperStunlock StudiosPublisherStunlock StudiosMetacritic score83Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, RPGSystem requirements Minimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: Windows 10 64 bit. Processor: Intel Core i5-6600, 3.3 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, 3.5 GHz. Memory: 12 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti (Maxwell or newer), 2 GB or AMD Radeon R7 360, 2 GB. DirectX: Version 11. Network: Broadband Internet connection. Storage: 19 GB available space. Additional Notes: Minimum System Requirements might change in the future. Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: Windows 10 64 bit. Processor: Intel Core i5-11600K, 3.9 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, 3.7 GHz. Memory: 12 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070, 8 GB or AMD Radeon RX 590, 8 GB. DirectX: Version 11. Network: Broadband Internet connection. Storage: 19 GB available space. Additional Notes: Recommended System Requirements might change in the future. V Rising is a 2024 open-world survival game from Stunlock Studios, and it takes the vampire fantasy in a very different direction from Dawnwalker. You wake as a weakened vampire after a long slumber and gradually rebuild your strength, your castle and your following. What links the two games is the rhythm of day and night: sunlight is a real threat, so you plan your hunts and travels around it, much like Coen has to balance what he can do by day and by night.The gameplay is built around crafting, base-building and isometric action combat. You gather resources, construct and expand a castle, and hunt powerful bosses to absorb their blood and unlock new abilities. Blood quality matters, since feeding on different targets grants different bonuses, which gives the game its own version of blood management. You can play solo or online with friends in co-op, and dedicated PvP and PvE servers offer very different experiences depending on how competitive you want it to be.V Rising holds a Metacritic score of 83 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, making it one of the best-received vampire games of recent years. It suits players who enjoyed Dawnwalker's night-time powers and want to spend many more hours feeling like a predator, especially with friends. Just know that this is not a narrative RPG. There is little dialogue or story choice here, so treat it as a long-term sandbox rather than a follow-up to Coen's tale, best enjoyed in long sessions.Get V Rising on KinguinLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 RemasteredReleased2024DeveloperAspyr / Crystal DynamicsPublisherAspyrSteam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, Hack and SlashSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10+ Processor: Intel i3 / AMD FX-4100 Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce GT 620 1gb / Radeon HD 8670D Storage: 2 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system Processor: Intel i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800 Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2080 /Radeon RX 6750 Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is a 2024 collection from Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics that brings two classic gothic action-adventures back to modern hardware. You play Raziel, a former vampire lieutenant betrayed by his master Kain and reborn as a soul-devouring wraith in the decaying world of Nosgoth. For Dawnwalker fans, the connection is the dark fantasy tone and a hero caught between two states of existence, with a story built on betrayal, curses and family-like loyalties gone wrong.The gameplay combines third-person combat, platforming and environmental puzzles. Raziel can shift between the material and spectral realms, which changes the layout of the world and opens new paths. He feeds on the souls of defeated enemies to restore his health, a mechanic that echoes the role of blood in Dawnwalker. Combat is fairly simple by modern standards, and much of the challenge comes from exploring and solving puzzles rather than mastering complex sword techniques. Switching realms to reach new areas is the series' signature idea and still feels clever.The remaster holds a Very Positive rating from Steam players, who appreciate seeing both classic games return in updated form. The series is remembered above all for its voice acting and theatrical, almost Shakespearean dialogue, which still stands out today. It is a great choice for players who loved Dawnwalker's gothic atmosphere and want something shorter and more focused. Its light system requirements also make it easy to play on older PCs and handheld gaming PCs, so almost anyone can try it.Get Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered on KinguinCastlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate EditionReleased2013DeveloperMercurySteam / Climax StudiosPublisherKONAMISteam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, Story Rich, Hack and SlashSystem requirementsMinimum: OS *: Windows XP – Service Pack 3 Processor: 2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo Memory: 1 GB RAM Graphics: Direct X9 compatible video card 512Mb Ram DirectX®: 9.0 Hard Drive: 15 GB HD space Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection Additional: Keyboard or Xinput compatible Joypad for control Recommended: OS *: Windows 7 or higher Processor: Quad Core CPU Memory: 2 GB RAM Graphics: Direct X11 compatible video card with 1024Mb Ram DirectX®: 11 Hard Drive: 15 GB HD space Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection Additional: Keyboard or Xinput compatible Joypad for control Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition is a gothic hack-and-slash game developed by MercurySteam and Climax Studios and published by Konami, released on PC in 2013. You play Gabriel Belmont, a holy warrior fighting vampires, werewolves and other creatures across a dark medieval Europe. It connects to Dawnwalker through its gothic setting, its vampire-heavy bestiary and a personal story driven by grief and family, even if it is far more linear than Rebel Wolves' RPG. Its tone is serious and mournful rather than playful.Combat is the heart of the game. Gabriel's Combat Cross works like a chained whip, and you build combos, dodge and block while switching between light and shadow magic to heal or deal extra damage. Large boss fights, including climbing on enormous creatures, are among the highlights, while quick-time events appear in many cinematic moments. There is no open world and few story choices, so the experience focuses on fighting and exploring a sequence of handcrafted levels. Upgrading Gabriel's moves with experience keeps the combat evolving as you progress.The Ultimate Edition holds a Very Positive rating from Steam players and bundles the base game with its additional content. It suits players who loved the combat side of Dawnwalker and want a more action-focused take on fighting vampires, with less dialogue and more spectacle. The visuals show their age in places, but the art direction and gothic architecture still look striking. Its modest hardware requirements also mean it runs well on most systems, including lower-end laptops and handheld gaming PCs.Get Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition on KinguinThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionReleased2016DeveloperBethesda Game StudiosPublisherBethesda SoftworksMetacritic score84Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction Games, Adventure, RPG, Open WorldSystem requirementsOS *: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit Version), Processor: Intel i5-2400/AMD FX-8320, Memory: 8 GB RAM, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB /AMD R9 290 4GB, Storage: 12 GB available spaceThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is a remastered open-world RPG from Bethesda Game Studios. On the surface, it is a fantasy adventure about dragons, but it also offers one of the most popular ways to become a vampire in gaming. The Dawnguard expansion, included in this edition, adds a full vampire questline where you can side with an ancient vampire clan or with the hunters trying to stop it. That optional curse makes it a natural match for Dawnwalker fans.As a vampire, you gain new powers but must feed regularly, and sunlight weakens you while some townsfolk react with hostility. Dawnguard also adds the Vampire Lord transformation, which turns you into a winged creature with blood magic and the ability to drain enemies. Outside the vampire content, Skyrim offers a huge open world, freeform character progression and countless side quests. Combat is simpler than Dawnwalker's directional swordplay, but you can mix melee, magic and archery as you like and build a character that fits your style.Skyrim holds a Metacritic score of 84 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, and it remains one of the most played RPGs on PC. Its modding community is a major reason to play it in 2026, since mods can improve visuals, rework combat and add new quests, including more vampire content. It is the right pick for players who want to live as a vampire for dozens or hundreds of hours and enjoy shaping their own adventure without a fixed protagonist.Get The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on KinguinGames Like The Blood of Dawnwalker for the Story and CombatThese games skip the fangs but deliver what many players loved most about Dawnwalker: a strong lead character, writing with real consequences and combat that rewards skill. Several come from the same Polish RPG tradition that shaped Rebel Wolves, and one shares its directional swordplay.The Witcher 3: Wild HuntKinguin score4.5Released2015DeveloperCD Projekt REDPublisherCD Projekt REDMetacritic score91Steam scoreOverwhelmingly PositiveCategoriesAdventureStrategyRPGStory richSystem requirementsMin: Windows 7/10 64-bit, Intel Core i5-2500K, 6 GB RAM, GTX 660 / HD 7870, 35 GB HDD. Recommended: i7-3770, 8 GB RAM, GTX 770.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a 2015 open-world RPG from CD Projekt RED, and it is the clearest spiritual ancestor of The Blood of Dawnwalker. Rebel Wolves was founded by former CD Projekt developers, and its director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz directed The Witcher 3. You play Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter Ciri. The search for family, the morally gray choices and the dark fantasy setting all feel familiar to anyone coming from Dawnwalker. In many ways, it is the template Rebel Wolves set out to build on.Gameplay combines third-person sword combat, signs (simple magic), alchemy and investigation of monster contracts. Quests rarely have clean outcomes, and decisions made early can return hours later in unexpected ways. The Blood and Wine expansion is especially interesting for Dawnwalker fans, as it centers on higher vampires in the sunny duchy of Toussaint. Combat does not use directional swordplay like Dawnwalker, but preparation, oils and potions give fights a thoughtful rhythm, especially on higher difficulty levels where careless attacks get punished.The Witcher 3 holds a Metacritic score of 91 and an Overwhelmingly Positive rating from Steam players, which puts it among the most acclaimed RPGs ever made. Even years after release, its writing, characters and side quests remain a benchmark for the genre. For anyone who enjoyed Dawnwalker's storytelling, it is the obvious next step and shows where the team's approach to quests and characters comes from. With its expansions, it offers well over a hundred hours of play, and it runs on a wide range of PCs.Get The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on KinguinKingdom Come: Deliverance IIReleased2025DeveloperWarhorse StudiosPublisherDeep SilverMetacritic score89Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, Open WorldSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer) Processor: Intel Core i5-8400, AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB), AMD Radeon RX 580 Storage: 100 GB available space Additional Notes: SSD required Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer) Processor: Intel Core i7-13700K, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D Memory: 32 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT Storage: 100 GB available space Additional Notes: SSD required Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a 2025 medieval RPG from Warhorse Studios, published by Deep Silver. It plays in first person rather than third, but it uses directional melee combat, which makes it one of the closest matches to the swordplay in The Blood of Dawnwalker. You follow Henry through 15th-century Bohemia in a grounded story without magic or monsters. Players often recommend it to Dawnwalker fans for its writing and characters as much as for its combat, even though it has no supernatural elements at all.Fights revolve around choosing the direction of your attacks, reading your opponent's guard and timing blocks and counters. It takes practice, and it rewards patience over button mashing. Around the combat sits a detailed simulation of medieval life, with skills that improve through use, hunger and fatigue, reputation with different groups and many ways to solve quests through dialogue, stealth or force. Choices affect how characters and towns treat you, and the main story is full of memorable personalities worth getting to know.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II holds a Metacritic score of 89 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. It is one of the strongest recent RPGs for players who want a grounded historical setting and a steep but satisfying combat system. Keep in mind that it is demanding on hardware, requiring an SSD and around 100 GB of storage. If directional swordplay was your favorite part of Dawnwalker, this is the game to play next, and the learning curve pays off within a few hours.Get Kingdom Come: Deliverance II on KinguinCyberpunk 2077Released2020DeveloperCD PROJEKT REDPublisherCD PROJEKT REDMetacritic score86Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAdventure, Strategy, RPG, Story richSystem requirementsRequires a 64-bit processor and operating system; OS: 64-bit Windows 10; Processor: Core i7-12700 or Ryzen 7 7800X3D; Memory: 16 GB RAM; Graphics: GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER or Radeon RX 5700 XT or Arc A770; DirectX: Version 12; Storage: 70 GB available space; Additional Notes: SSD required.Cyberpunk 2077 is a 2020 open-world action RPG from CD Projekt RED, the studio where many Rebel Wolves developers built their careers. It trades dark fantasy for a futuristic Night City, but the storytelling approach will feel familiar to Dawnwalker fans: a defined lead character, morally complex side quests and a main story driven by a ticking clock. You play V, a mercenary dealing with a life-threatening problem, much like Coen fighting against the 30-day deadline to save his family.Combat is mostly first-person, with firearms, melee weapons, cyberware implants and hacking that let you build very different playstyles. You can fight head-on, sneak through areas or disable enemies remotely. Quests often branch based on dialogue choices, and companions such as Johnny Silverhand play a central role in the story. The Phantom Liberty expansion adds a spy thriller storyline with its own branching outcomes, and it is well worth experiencing for its writing and characters and its tense, focused missions.Cyberpunk 2077 holds a Metacritic score of 86 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. The game had a troubled launch in 2020, but years of updates have turned it into one of CD Projekt RED's most respected works. It suits Dawnwalker fans who care more about writing and characters than about the vampire setting. Just note that it is demanding, with an SSD required and around 70 GB of storage space needed for the base game. A capable PC will get the most out of Night City.Get Cyberpunk 2077 on KinguinBaldur’s Gate 3Kinguin score4.5Released2023DeveloperLarian StudiosPublisherLarian StudiosMetacritic score92Steam scoreOverwhelmingly PositiveCategoriesAdventureStrategyRPGStory richSystem requirementsMin: Windows 10/11 64-bit, Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, GTX 660 / Radeon HD 7870; Recommended: i7, 16 GB RAM, GTX 1070Baldur’s Gate 3 is a 2023 fantasy RPG from Larian Studios, based on Dungeons & Dragons. It plays very differently from Dawnwalker, with turn-based combat instead of real-time swordplay, but it shares the focus on choices that matter and characters with real depth. One of its most popular companions, Astarion, is a vampire spawn, and his storyline explores hunger, control and freedom in a way that will feel familiar to anyone who spent nights as Coen. It is also a fine pick for anyone who enjoys a big party of companions.You create your own hero or play as one of the predefined origin characters, then travel with a party of companions whose reactions depend on your decisions. Combat is tactical and turn-based, using terrain, height, spells and items to outsmart enemies. Quests can be approached in many ways, from persuasion to stealth to open fighting, and the game remembers your choices across its three acts. It also supports co-op, so you can play the whole story with friends and compare the very different paths each of you took.Baldur’s Gate 3 is widely regarded as one of the best RPGs of recent years and set a new standard for choice-driven storytelling. For Dawnwalker fans, it is a strong pick if the moral decisions and character relationships were what kept you playing. The turn-based combat takes some getting used to if you prefer action, but it rewards planning and creativity. With its length and multiple origin characters, it also offers great replay value well into 2026, especially if you try a different origin or alignment on a second run.Get Baldur’s Gate 3 on KinguinMass Effect Legendary EditionReleased2021DeveloperBioWarePublisherElectronic ArtsMetacritic score87Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, AdventureSystem requirementsRequires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: 64-bit Windows 10. Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X. Memory: 16 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 / RTX 200, Radeon Vega 56, 4 GB Video Memory. DirectX: Version 11. Storage: 120 GB available space.Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a 2021 remaster of BioWare's original sci-fi trilogy, published by Electronic Arts. It has no vampires and no swords, but it delivers what many Dawnwalker players value most: a strong protagonist, memorable companions and choices with lasting consequences. You play Commander Shepard, leading a crew across the galaxy to confront a threat to all life, and decisions made in the first game can shape events in the third. That long-term payoff is something few RPG series have matched since.Gameplay combines third-person cover shooting with abilities based on your chosen class, such as biotic powers or tech skills. You recruit and command a squad of companions, each with personal missions, relationships and moral dilemmas. Dialogue choices shape your reputation and how characters respond to you. The remaster updates the visuals and improves several gameplay elements of the first game, which makes the full trilogy easier to enjoy today than playing the original releases on modern hardware, without old technical hurdles.Mass Effect Legendary Edition holds a Metacritic score of 87 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. It suits Dawnwalker fans who enjoyed the storytelling and want a long, character-driven journey with choices that carry forward. Playing all three games back to back makes your decisions feel more personal, especially in the final chapter. It needs around 120 GB of storage, so check your free space before installing. Few RPG series reward patience with such a satisfying sense of continuity across all three games.Get Mass Effect Legendary Edition on KinguinFrequently Asked QuestionsWhat type of game is The Blood of Dawnwalker?The Blood of Dawnwalker is a dark fantasy action RPG developed by Rebel Wolves and published by Bandai Namco, released in September 2026. You play Coen, who is human by day and a vampire by night, and has 30 in-game days to save his family. It combines directional swordplay with vampire powers and blood management.What is the best vampire game like The Blood of Dawnwalker?Vampyr is the vampire game most players point to as the closest match. You play a doctor turned vampire in 1918 London, and many players note its claw combat and feeding choices feel similar. Anthony Howell, who voiced Vampyr's hero, also plays Coen's father in Dawnwalker. Bloodlines and V Rising are strong alternatives.Is there a game with combat like The Blood of Dawnwalker?Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the closest match for Dawnwalker's directional melee combat. It plays in first person, but you choose the direction of each attack and time blocks against your opponent's guard. For a story-driven alternative, The Witcher 3 offers third-person swordplay, though without directional attacks.Are there any sequels to The Blood of Dawnwalker?No sequel has been announced so far. The Blood of Dawnwalker is the first game from Rebel Wolves, a Polish studio founded by former CD Projekt developers, and it was released in September 2026. Until the studio shares more, games like Vampyr and The Witcher 3 are the best way to continue.Is The Blood of Dawnwalker similar to The Witcher 3?Yes, in several ways. Rebel Wolves was founded by former CD Projekt developers, and director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz directed The Witcher 3. Both are dark fantasy RPGs with a defined protagonist and morally complex choices. Dawnwalker adds directional swordplay, vampire powers at night and a 30-day deadline that puts time pressure on every decision.
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Autumn has a strange way of convincing us that we should learn how to make things. Maybe this will finally be the year we learn to sew. Maybe we should start making our own clothes. Perhaps we need a box full of beautiful fabric scraps, even though we have absolutely no plan for what happens after we buy them. One particularly ambitious Pinterest board later, we are apparently also restoring old furniture and opening an Etsy shop.We support the vision. We also know that starting a new hobby usually means buying supplies, finding somewhere to keep those supplies and eventually discovering that sewing in a straight line is a skill rather than a basic human instinct.Games make the first step much easier. There is a particular kind of comfort in games that let you make something slowly. You choose the fabric, move the pieces around until they fit, add a little detail because it makes you happy and eventually get to look at something that did not exist before you sat down.So, for our final autumn hobby, we are putting away the fishing rod and mushroom basket and getting crafty. There are dresses to sew, quilts to finish, stickers to design and old things that deserve another chance.Dressmaker lets you discover exactly how ambitious your sewing era really is If you have ever looked at a beautiful dress and thought that making one yourself cannot possibly be that difficult, Dressmaker is here to answer that question. Released in September 2026, Dressmaker is built around the actual process of making clothes rather than simply choosing a design and watching a progress bar fill up. You select fabrics, arrange pattern pieces, cut them out and sew the panels together before adding buttons, bows, appliqué, lace and other decorations. Even the way you position a pattern on the fabric matters, because what you cut is what eventually appears on the finished garment.There is something especially satisfying about how physical the whole process feels. You guide fabric through the sewing machine yourself and gradually watch separate pieces become an actual dress. If you care about doing things properly, there is plenty here to learn about grain, bias, measurements and using your fabric efficiently. If you mostly care about making something beautiful, there is also plenty of room to experiment with colors, materials and decorations.And because this is a video game, making a mistake does not mean staring at a crooked seam for twenty minutes before reluctantly reaching for the seam ripper. That alone might make this the superior form of sewing.The finished dresses can be made for commissions or created from your own ideas, which makes Dressmaker feel less like a fashion dress-up game and much more like having a little digital sewing room of your own. You begin with fabric and a pattern. A while later, there is a dress on the mannequin that exists because of all the tiny decisions you made along the way. We understand why people get into this hobby now. We are still slightly afraid of real sewing machines. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Quilts and Cats of Calico answers the important question: what if quilting had more cats? There are few things more naturally cozy than a handmade quilt. Apparently, one of them is a handmade quilt with a sleeping cat on top. Quilts and Cats of Calico turns quilting into a puzzle where you arrange patterned fabric scraps into a growing design. Matching colors and patterns helps you score, while creating the right combinations lets you sew buttons onto your quilt and attract cats, each of whom has their own very specific preferences about what constitutes an acceptable place for a nap.The actual sewing is abstracted into a board-game puzzle, so you will not be threading needles or guiding fabric through a machine here. Instead, the pleasure comes from taking a collection of pieces that do not seem particularly useful on their own and slowly finding a way to make them belong together.Sometimes you will place a patch because it is exactly what your carefully planned quilt needs. Sometimes you will place it because a cat likes that pattern. We know which design philosophy we respect more.The cats themselves wander around the board, nap on your work and can even be petted while you play. You can create your own cats too, customizing their appearance and giving them little outfits before allowing them to interfere with your quilting session. Anyone who has attempted a craft project in a house with a cat will recognize this as an unusually accurate simulation. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Patchwork turns the scrap basket into a very clever little puzzle If Quilts and Cats of Calico makes you want more patchwork but you would prefer your quilting session with slightly fewer feline supervisors, there is always Patchwork. This digital adaptation of Uwe Rosenberg's board game gives two players their own empty quilt and a shared selection of fabric pieces. Each patch has its own shape and cost, and choosing one also uses up time, so building a beautiful quilt becomes a surprisingly thoughtful exercise in deciding which pieces are worth taking and how to fit them together without leaving awkward gaps.It captures something very satisfying about real patchwork without asking you to actually sew anything. A strange little piece that seemed impossible to use five minutes ago might suddenly fit perfectly into the one annoying gap you have been staring at. Slowly, the empty board fills with different colors and patterns until you have something that looks like a quilt rather than a collection of questionable decisions.There is competition involved, so this one can become considerably less peaceful if you and your chosen quilting partner are both taking the button economy seriously. Apparently even sewing can have enemies. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... .kg-newsletter-v4 { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4:focus { outline:none !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(242,102,33,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-checkbox-v4 { accent-color:#f26621 !important; cursor:pointer !important; } Join our newsletter Deals, new releases and gaming picks worth opening another tab for. Enter a valid email address. I agree to receive marketing communication from Kinguin. Please tick the box to join. Nice. You’re on the list ✓ Something went wrong. Please try again. Assemble with Care is for everyone who cannot throw old things away Not everything we make needs to start from scratch. Sometimes the nicest thing you can do with your hands is take something broken and give it another chance.Assemble with Care follows Maria, an antique restorer who arrives in the town of Bellariva and begins repairing treasured possessions for the people who live there. You take objects apart, examine how their pieces work together and carefully rebuild them until an old camera, cassette player or another well-loved object can work again.There is a wonderfully tactile quality to these repairs. Screws need removing, parts need turning over and mechanisms need understanding before everything can go back where it belongs. The puzzles are gentle enough that the act of fixing something remains the focus, and the objects themselves carry memories for the people who bring them to you.That makes each repair feel a little more meaningful than simply getting a machine working again. Most of us have at least one thing we keep because it belonged to someone, reminds us of somewhere or has simply been around for so long that throwing it away feels wrong. Assemble with Care understands that objects can collect stories along with their scratches. Sometimes fixing an old thing is easier than replacing it. Sometimes it means more, too. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Sticky Business is your Etsy era without the trip to the post office Perhaps fabric is not your thing. Perhaps your true calling is owning an online sticker shop with an extremely specific aesthetic.Sticky Business lets you design your own stickers by combining different graphics, shapes and effects into whatever tiny creations your heart desires. You build collections, arrange sticker sheets and sell your designs through your own little online business. When an order arrives, you pack it yourself and can add extras to make the parcel feel special for the person opening it. It is that last part that makes the whole thing especially lovely.Your customers are not just order numbers appearing on a screen. As people return to your shop, you learn pieces of their stories through their orders. The stickers you design begin to feel like small things being sent to actual people rather than products disappearing into an imaginary delivery van. And because you control the designs, your shop can become as specific as you want it to be. You can make cute animals, witchy stickers, ridiculous faces or cover everything in sparkles because nobody can stop you.This is your small business. There is no brand manager. Go wild. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Tiny Bookshop is what happens when DIY becomes making a space feel like yours Tiny Bookshop stretches our definition of DIY a little, because you will not be sewing, cutting or repairing anything here. But anyone who has ever spent an entire weekend rearranging a room knows that making a space your own can scratch exactly the same creative itch.You run a tiny second-hand bookshop from a trailer and travel around the seaside town of Bookstonbury, setting up in different locations and getting to know the people who stop by. Alongside choosing which books to stock and recommending them to customers, you can fill your shop with objects you collect and decide what kind of place you want it to become.You can cover it in plants. You can lean into candles and make it feel a little mysterious. You can surround yourself with the kinds of things you would actually want nearby while spending a quiet afternoon selling books.Those decorations are not completely cosmetic either. Items can affect customers and introduce new mechanics, so making the shop feel like yours also changes how your little business works. There is no fabric involved and we cannot reasonably call rearranging a bookshop sewing. We tried. But Tiny Bookshop understands the same pleasure that runs through every game on this list: starting with something plain and slowly adding little pieces of yourself until it feels like yours. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Maybe this autumn we make somethingOur autumn hobby club started in the kitchen. Then we went fishing, disappeared into the woods looking for mushrooms and somehow ended up here, surrounded by fabric scraps, buttons, stickers and one cat that has decided to sleep directly on our unfinished quilt.That feels like a pretty good place to finish. There is something especially comforting about making things during the slower part of the year. You do not necessarily need the finished object to be perfect, useful or impressive enough to show anyone else. Sometimes choosing the fabric is fun. Sometimes arranging tiny stickers for twenty minutes is fun. Sometimes fixing an old cassette player or decorating a miniature bookshop is enough to make an evening feel nicely spent.And games let us enjoy that little spark of creativity without needing a craft room, a sewing machine or a drawer containing 47 different kinds of glue. Although, after playing Dressmaker, we cannot promise you will not start looking at sewing machines. If that happens, we accept no responsibility. Happy crafting 🧵 Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale →
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There is a point every autumn when perfectly normal people suddenly start looking at the forest floor with great interest. A little rain falls, the leaves turn orange and mushroom season begins. Someone in your family already knows the spot. Someone else refuses to tell anyone where the spot is. There are baskets involved. Boots come out. Every walk through the woods becomes a treasure hunt. Unfortunately, real mushroom picking comes with one fairly important rule: you really need to know what you’re picking. Video games are much more forgiving.In Among Trees, you can wander through a beautiful wilderness and gather mushrooms on your way home. Cozy Grove hides different varieties among its leaf piles. Potion Permit lets you forage for mushrooms and turn what you find into something useful, while Wytchwood takes the whole autumn-foraging fantasy and adds witchcraft, potions and ingredients with names like Hagshroom. And if picking mushrooms isn’t enough, we also found games where you can identify strange fungi, wear a mushroom hat or simply become a mushroom yourself. 🍄 Grab a basket. We’re going into the woods. Among Trees makes getting lost in the woods sound like a very good plan Most of us have been taught that wandering alone into the wilderness with no clear plan is generally a bad idea. Among Trees makes a surprisingly convincing counterargument. You begin with a small wooden cabin hidden deep in a colorful forest and gradually learn how to live around it. The wilderness provides much of what you need, which means leaving the safety of your little home to explore, gather resources and see what is growing beyond the next patch of trees. Mushrooms are among the things you can forage directly from the forest floor, alongside plants such as chicory and other useful materials.That simple act of heading outside to see what you can find gives Among Trees much of its autumn charm. A trip through the woods does not always need a grand destination. Sometimes you notice something useful growing nearby, take a small detour to collect it and eventually return to your cabin with a backpack full of things you did not necessarily leave home looking for.There is survival involved, so this is not a completely responsibility-free walk in the woods. You need food, you need resources and the wilderness deserves a little respect. But there are long stretches where simply exploring the forest becomes its own reward.And honestly, coming home to a tiny wooden cabin after spending the afternoon gathering mushrooms in the woods might be the most aggressively autumn activity a video game can offer. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Cozy Grove knows that the best mushrooms are hiding under the leaves Cozy Grove already has an excellent setup for anyone currently experiencing mushroom season brainrot: you are a Spirit Scout camping on a haunted island, surrounded by forests, friendly ghost bears and a seemingly endless supply of little things waiting to be discovered.Naturally, there are mushrooms. Several kinds, actually. While exploring the island and rummaging through leaf piles, you can find varieties including brown and red mushrooms, poison mushrooms, chanterelles and rarer trumpet mushrooms. Your finds can then be burned into roasted mushrooms and used in cooking, donated to your collection or occasionally handed over to hungry imps.It makes mushroom hunting part of the larger pleasure of checking in on the island each day. You never quite know what has appeared since your last visit, so there is always a reason to wander away from camp, poke around under some leaves and see what the forest has decided to give you.Finding a chanterelle hiding in a leaf pile scratches exactly the same tiny part of the brain as spotting one on an autumn walk. Except this one cannot poison you. We consider that an improvement. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... .kg-newsletter-v4 { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4:focus { outline:none !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(242,102,33,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-checkbox-v4 { accent-color:#f26621 !important; cursor:pointer !important; } Join our newsletter Deals, new releases and gaming picks worth opening another tab for. Enter a valid email address. I agree to receive marketing communication from Kinguin. Please tick the box to join. Nice. You’re on the list ✓ Something went wrong. Please try again. Potion Permit turns your mushroom basket into medicine Moving to Potion Permit means upgrading our basket to something slightly more professional. You arrive in the small town of Moonbury as a chemist, which means the plants, minerals and other ingredients growing outside town are not just pretty things to collect. They are the raw materials you need to diagnose illnesses, brew remedies and look after the people living there.Mushrooms are one of the ingredients you can forage in Meadow Range, where patches grow in several locations and can be harvested with your sickle. They are useful outside the potion-making side of your job too, appearing in dishes including mushroom soup and black truffle pasta.That makes heading out to gather ingredients feel especially satisfying because you usually know those things are coming home with you for a reason. What looks like a quiet afternoon spent searching through the countryside eventually becomes somebody's medicine, tonight's dinner or another little step towards becoming part of Moonbury.You also have a dog who follows you around. This is relevant because every autumn walk is improved by a dog. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Wytchwood is mushroom picking after you fully commit to the witch aesthetic If Potion Permit feels like responsible herbalism, Wytchwood is what happens when you stop pretending this is a normal hobby and become the strange witch living at the edge of the forest. Which, to be clear, we fully support.Wytchwood sends you through a beautifully illustrated fairytale world gathering an enormous variety of plants, creatures and considerably stranger ingredients for your spells and recipes. Among the first things you learn to collect are Hagshrooms, mushrooms growing right on the ground around your home and in the forest. You do not even need a special tool to gather them.They quickly become useful. Hagshrooms appear in recipes for things like Mending Poultice and Unveiling Powder, so spotting one during a walk through the forest is less about filling a collection and more about thinking ahead to whatever strange concoction you might need next.And that is where Wytchwood really nails the fantasy of autumn foraging. You are constantly looking at the world around you as a collection of useful little treasures. A mushroom is an ingredient. A herb might be important later. Something slightly suspicious growing near a tree is absolutely going in the bag.Real mushroom pickers may bring a field guide. You have a grimoire. Same hobby, different commitment level. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products...
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There is a very specific kind of peace that comes with fishing in video games. You find a nice spot by the water, cast your line and wait. For a moment, there is nowhere you need to be and nothing particularly urgent happening. Maybe something bites. Maybe it doesn’t. Either way, you get to sit there for a little while.Real fishing unfortunately requires getting up early, checking the weather, finding actual fishing gear and accepting the possibility that you may spend several hours outside without catching anything.Video game fishing asks considerably less of you. And since autumn is exactly the time of year when staying somewhere warm while pretending to spend the afternoon by a lake sounds particularly appealing, we went looking for some of our favorite fishing games and fishing spots.Some give you nothing but a rod, a quiet lake and plenty of time. Others wrap fishing into stories about rebuilding communities, making friends or starting a new life somewhere far away. One of them may contain unspeakable horrors from the depths of the ocean, but we’ll deal with that when we get there.For now, grab your rod. We’re going fishing.Cast n Chill understands that sometimes fishing is the whole plan The name really does tell you everything you need to know. Cast n Chill is a game about finding a beautiful stretch of water, casting your line and seeing what bites. There are lakes, rivers and oceans to explore, different species to discover and better equipment to unlock as you sell your catches and gradually become a more capable angler. You can chase rare fish and legendary catches if you want a goal, but the game is equally happy to let you take things slowly.And taking things slowly feels particularly good here. There is no town demanding your attention and no farm waiting to be watered before you leave. The landscape, pixel art and simple rhythm of casting and reeling give fishing enough room to be the main event rather than a side activity squeezed between twenty other things on your to-do list.You can even bring your loyal little companion along for the trip, which immediately improves any fishing expedition by at least 70 percent. We checked the math.If the reason you clicked on an article about cozy fishing games was because you genuinely just want to fish, this is probably the purest version of that fantasy on our list. Cast n Chill up to 53% off Get Cast n Chill → Moonglow Bay gives you a reason to keep coming back to shore Moonglow Bay begins from a much more emotional place.You play as a rookie angler trying to fulfil the final wish of your partner while living in a struggling fishing town on the Canadian coast. What begins with you picking up a rod gradually becomes a story about getting to know this place, reconnecting with its community and helping Moonglow Bay find its feet again.Fishing is at the center of almost everything you do, and there is plenty of it. You can cast a line, set traps, use nets and even go ice fishing while working your way through more than 150 aquatic species. Your catches do not simply disappear into a sell box either. Fish can become meals or end up in the local aquarium, while your time on the water slowly feeds into the larger job of bringing life back to the town.That gives each trip a lovely sense of purpose. You can head out in your boat, spend some time on the water and return with something that matters back home.Moonglow Bay can get emotional, and its story begins with grief, so this isn't completely fluffy comfort food. But there is a lot of warmth in what comes afterwards. At its heart, this is a game about slowly putting things back together, one fishing trip at a time. Moonglow Bay up to 80% off Get Moonglow Bay → Luna’s Fishing Garden lets you fix an entire world with a fishing rod If your preferred fishing spot needs to be approximately 40 percent more magical, Luna’s Fishing Garden has you covered. You play as Cassie, who wakes up on a strange collection of islands after a storm and meets Luna, a mysterious fox spirit whose garden has been damaged. From there, fishing becomes part of restoring this little watery world.The whole thing is deliberately small and gentle. You catch fish, meet the spirits living around the islands, clean up the surrounding waters and plant new trees and flowers as the garden begins to recover. There is progression and plenty to collect, but very little pressure to turn any of it into work.That is important because Luna’s Fishing Garden understands something that cozy games occasionally forget: relaxation does not need to become another productivity challenge. You can work towards restoring everything perfectly. Or you can find a nice place and fish for a while. Luna will survive. Luna’s Fishing Garden up to 82% off Get Luna’s Fishing Garden → Disney Dreamlight Valley lets you go fishing with Goofy, which is difficult to argue withSometimes fishing is better when you can bring a friend. Disney Dreamlight Valley is much bigger than its fishing mechanic, of course. It is a life-sim and adventure game where you build your own version of Dreamlight Valley alongside a growing collection of Disney and Pixar characters. You can decorate your home, cook with Remy, garden with WALL-E and spend an afternoon fishing with Goofy. And fishing fits surprisingly naturally into that daily routine.Different parts of the Valley have their own waters and catches, so grabbing your rod gives you another reason to wander between its biomes. The fish you bring home can become ingredients for meals, help with quests or simply contribute to whatever little goal you have decided matters that day.But the nicest way to do it is probably to bring one of your villagers along. Fishing then becomes less about hunting down another resource and more like one of those tiny activities you do while spending time in the Valley. Pick someone you like, head towards the water and stay there until you decide you have had enough.If Goofy wants to come, obviously you let Goofy come. Those are the rules. Disney Dreamlight Valley up to 74% off Get Disney Dreamlight Valley → Stardew Valley can turn “one quick fishing trip” into an entire afternoon There are people who love fishing in Stardew Valley. There are also people who spent their first few hours wondering why a tiny pixel fish seemed personally determined to ruin their day. Both experiences are valid.Fishing is one of Stardew Valley’s five main skills, and it becomes much more satisfying once you start learning how it works. Different fish appear depending on the location, season, weather and time of day, which means a casual trip to the river can eventually turn into knowing exactly where you need to be when it starts raining on a Tuesday in fall. You can also craft bait, use bobbers and set crab pots while working towards catching everything the Valley has to offer. The nice part is that none of this needs to be your goal.Some days you can simply take your rod down to the beach, stand at the end of the pier and see what happens. When the sun starts going down, you walk home with whatever you managed to catch and tomorrow you can do something completely different. Or you can become completely obsessed with catching one particular fish. That is between you and the fish. Stardew Valley up to 86% off Get Stardew Valley → DREDGE is cozy fishing for people with a slightly concerning definition of cozy Okay. We need to talk about DREDGE. If your definition of a cozy fishing trip involves calm water, a warm sunset and perhaps a little picnic on the shore, DREDGE would like to know how you feel about cosmic horror.On paper, parts of it sound almost perfect for this list. You captain a small fishing trawler around a remote archipelago, head out to find different species, sell your catch when you return and use the money to improve your boat and equipment. There are more than 125 deep-sea creatures to discover, islands to explore and plenty of reasons to make one more trip before calling it a day. It is an incredibly satisfying loop. There is just one tiny problem. You probably want to be home before dark.DREDGE is officially an adventure-horror game, and the further you travel, the clearer it becomes that something is very wrong with these waters. Strange things start appearing in your nets. The islands have secrets. Your fisherman gets increasingly uneasy when he stays at sea too long, and the darkness is considerably less empty than you would like it to be.So no, DREDGE is not wholesome in the same way as Cast n Chill or Luna’s Fishing Garden. But there is something oddly comforting about its routine. Leaving the harbour in the morning, filling the boat, arranging your catch in the cargo hold and racing home as the sun begins to disappear can become its own little ritual.It is fishing for people who find inventory management relaxing but would also like the ocean to occasionally threaten their sanity. We’re not judging your comfort games. DREDGE up to 87% off Get DREDGE → Maybe we understand why every cozy game eventually adds a fishing rodFishing has become such a familiar part of cozy games that seeing a little pond without a fishing mechanic can almost feel suspicious. But after spending enough time with these games, it makes sense. Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale → Fishing gives you permission to stop. You cast a line and, for a few seconds, there is nothing else you can do except wait. You notice the water, the music and whatever is happening around your character. Even in games packed with quests, crops, friendships and things begging for your attention, standing beside a river can create a tiny break in the middle of everything else.Sometimes that break lasts thirty seconds. Sometimes you suddenly realise you have spent your entire in-game day standing on the same pier. And sometimes the sun goes down, an ancient horror crawls out of the ocean and you remember that you are playing DREDGE. Nobody said every fishing trip had to end peacefully 🎣
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There is something about autumn that makes spending an entire evening in the kitchen sound like a genuinely good idea. Maybe it is the colder weather. Maybe it is the fact that cinnamon suddenly belongs in everything. Or maybe our brains simply see one orange leaf and decide that we should immediately bake a pie, make soup and own at least three unnecessarily beautiful mugs.If your perfect autumn evening involves warm cafés, tiny bakeries, homemade food and the gentle satisfaction of making something nice for someone else, we have picked nine games worth putting on the menu. Some will let you build the bakery of your dreams, some will put you behind a busy counter, and others use food to tell stories that stay with you long after the kitchen closes.So, what are we having?Lemon Cake is the little bakery fantasy we wanted as children If your dream bakery includes homegrown strawberries, freshly baked pastries, a greenhouse and a friendly ghost, Lemon Cake has somehow managed to tick every box.You inherit an abandoned bakery that has definitely seen better days, and much of the pleasure comes from slowly making it feel alive again. The building needs repairing and decorating, the kitchen needs running, and your ingredients do not simply appear in an inventory whenever you need them. You can grow fruit in the greenhouse, collect honey from your beehive and look after cows and chickens for fresh milk and eggs before turning everything you have gathered into pastries and sweets.That makes baking feel like the end of a lovely little process rather than an isolated minigame. The strawberry in your cake can be one you actually grew. The milk came from an animal you have been looking after. Eventually, you are choosing your daily menu, filling the display with sweets and trying to keep everything moving when hungry customers arrive for lunch.There is enough to keep your hands busy, but the reward is watching a forgotten little bakery gradually become the warm, busy place it was supposed to be. And yes, the ghost can eventually help around the shop, which seems only fair. If we are restoring a haunted bakery, the haunting can at least contribute to the workload. Lemon Cake up to 69% off Get Lemon Cake → Bakery Simulator takes the baking part very seriously Bakery Simulator is for anyone who watches someone knead dough and thinks, I want to do that, rather than simply wanting to click a button marked “make bread.”Here, being a baker means actually learning the process. You work from recipes inspired by real ones, measure ingredients, use bakery equipment and make different breads, buns, croissants, bagels, muffins and other baked goods. Once they are ready, there are orders to fulfil and deliveries to make to shops around the city.It makes for a different kind of comfort. Instead of decorating an impossibly cute fantasy café, you can settle into the rhythm of doing a job properly. You check what needs to be made, prepare your ingredients, use the right equipment and try not to discover several steps too late that you have made a terrible bread-related mistake.There is something wonderfully autumnal about spending an evening with flour, bread and warm ovens, even when all of them are made of pixels. It also has one enormous advantage over baking at home: when you are finished, there is no mysterious layer of flour covering every surface in your kitchen. Bakery Simulator up to 98% off Get Bakery Simulator → Cat Cafe Manager understands that coffee is better with a cat nearby Running a café already sounds nice. Running one filled with cats feels slightly unfair to every other business model.In Cat Cafe Manager, you return to the sleepy village of Caterwaul Way and take over the small café left to you by your grandmother. The place needs some love, so you renovate it, build up the menu, meet the locals and gradually turn it into a proper café. The important part, obviously, is that Caterwaul Way is also full of stray cats that can become part of your new little home.The cats are not just decoration either. You get to know them, care for them and eventually find homes for them, while the café itself grows alongside your relationships with the people living in town. There are staff to manage, furniture to choose, recipes to work with and plenty of reasons to keep improving the place.It captures a particularly nice part of café culture: eventually, a good café stops feeling like somewhere people simply go to buy something. It becomes a familiar little place where you know the faces, people have their usual orders and there is probably one cat who has decided that a particular chair belongs exclusively to him. We accept his terms. Cat Cafe Manager up to 91% off Get Cat Cafe Manager → Coffee Talk is for anyone who secretly wants to own a café that only opens at night There is another kind of café fantasy, and Coffee Talk understands it perfectly.You are a barista in an alternative Seattle, working behind the counter of a coffee shop that opens at night. Your customers include humans as well as elves, orcs, succubi and other fantasy folk, but their problems are often surprisingly familiar. They come in, sit down, order something warm and tell you what is happening in their lives. Your job is partly to make their drinks, but mostly to listen.That makes Coffee Talk much less interested in the rush of running a successful business than it is in the atmosphere around the counter. You experiment with the ingredients you have, prepare warm drinks and slowly become part of your customers' lives simply because you are there when they need somewhere to sit.It is a lovely game for a rainy evening because it understands one of the nicest things about cafés: sometimes the coffee itself is only half the reason we go there. The other half is having somewhere warm to be for a while. Preferably while rain hits the window. Coffee Talk up to 67% off Get Coffee Talk → Little Dragons Café lets you raise a dragon between lunch shifts Most cafés have enough problems without adding dragon parenting to the schedule, but Little Dragons Café has bigger ambitions.The story begins with twins helping their mother run the family café until she suddenly falls into a mysterious sleep. A strange old man arrives with an equally strange solution: if they want to save her, they will need to raise a dragon. This leaves you balancing the perfectly normal responsibilities of running a café with the considerably less normal responsibility of taking care of a growing magical creature.Your days move between managing the café, cooking dishes and exploring the world outside for ingredients and recipes. That exploration gives the cooking side a sense of adventure, because a meal begins long before it reaches the table. Finding new ingredients and discovering recipes feeds back into what you can serve when you return home.And then, of course, there is your dragon.Plenty of cooking games will let you improve your kitchen. Far fewer let you finish your shift and go hang out with the dragon you are raising to save your mother. More cafés should consider this. Little Dragons Café up to 90% off Get Little Dragons Café → Good Pizza, Great Pizza knows that every customer has Opinions about pizza At first, running a pizzeria sounds simple. Someone tells you what they want, you put it on some dough, add cheese and send it into the oven.Then the customers arrive.Good Pizza, Great Pizza builds much of its personality around the wonderfully strange people standing on the other side of your counter. They have preferences, requests and occasionally rather creative ways of explaining what they actually want you to make. You have to understand the order, prepare the pizza correctly and keep the business going long enough to meet an increasingly colorful cast of regulars, rivals and pizza obsessives.The actual pizza-making has a lovely rhythm to it. You spread sauce, add cheese, arrange toppings, bake, slice and serve. As the shop grows, you can upgrade your equipment, unlock more ingredients, decorate your pizzeria and even grow some ingredients yourself.It is the sort of game where repetition becomes part of the comfort. You get better at reading orders, your hands learn the routine and familiar customers start walking through the door. Before long, you are emotionally invested in a fictional pizza shop and have surprisingly strong opinions about topping distribution. As you should. Good Pizza, Great Pizza up to 90% off Get Good Pizza, Great Pizza → Venba remembers that a recipe can carry much more than ingredients Venba is the smallest game on this list in some ways, but it might have the biggest heart.You play as Venba, an Indian mother who moves to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Her recipe book has been damaged during the move, leaving parts of familiar recipes missing. As you cook South Indian dishes throughout the story, you have to work out those missing steps and restore the recipes.But cooking here is not really about becoming better at a minigame. Food becomes a connection between Venba and the home she left behind, between parents and children, and between different generations of the same family. A recipe can hold a memory, a language, a tradition or something a parent desperately hopes their child will carry forward. The dishes you prepare become part of the way the family understands one another as their lives change.That makes Venba a particularly lovely choice for an autumn evening, but perhaps not for exactly the same reason as the other games here. It is warm and full of beautiful food, but it can also be emotional. This is comfort food in the most literal sense: food as something we make for the people we love when words are not quite enough.Maybe keep a snack nearby. And possibly a tissue. Venba up to 97% off Get Venba → Wanderstop would like you to sit down and drink your tea At first glance, Wanderstop has all the ingredients of a classic cozy management game. There is a beautiful tea shop in a magical forest, ingredients to grow and harvest, customers to meet and an unusual contraption for brewing the perfect cup of tea. You can clean the shop, decorate it and learn what the travelers passing through would like to drink.Then you meet Alta.Alta used to be a championship fighter, and she absolutely does not want to be running a tea shop. She wants to train, improve, keep moving and get back to being the person she believes she is supposed to be. Unfortunately for her, Wanderstop is deeply uninterested in turning relaxation into another thing to optimize.The shop asks for patience. There are moments when you can simply sit on a bench with a cup of tea. You can listen to your thoughts. You can do nothing for a while. The game's own description goes as far as asking whether perhaps doing nothing at all is okay.That gives all the tea-making a little more weight. Preparing a drink for somebody becomes part of slowing down enough to notice another person, hear their story and give them something made specifically for them.For a game about serving tea, Wanderstop has quite a lot to say about why some of us find it so difficult to just sit down and drink our own. Wanderstop up to 70% off Get Wanderstop → Sometimes the nicest thing you can make is something for someone elseThat might be what connects all these games better than the word “cooking” ever could.The cake in Lemon Cake eventually lands on somebody's table. Your strange pizza order in Good Pizza, Great Pizza belongs to a customer you might remember when they come back. In Coffee Talk, a warm drink gives somebody an excuse to stay and talk for a little longer. In Venba, an old recipe can say something that a family struggles to put into words. And in Wanderstop, making tea for another person becomes part of learning how to slow down yourself. Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale → Food is good at doing that, both in games and outside them. We cook because we are hungry, obviously, but we also bake for people, invite friends over, remember family recipes and make someone a cup of tea when they have had a terrible day.Maybe that is why cooking games fit autumn so ridiculously well 🍂🧸🥐☕🍪So if your ideal evening currently involves something warm in your mug, something sweet within reaching distance and absolutely no reason to leave the house, consider the kitchen open.
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There comes a point every autumn when staying home stops feeling like the boring option and starts feeling like the best plan you could possibly make. The evenings get longer, the big blanket permanently moves back onto the sofa and suddenly spending a few hours growing virtual pumpkins feels like a completely reasonable way to end the day.We’re very much at that point.The Kinguin Cozy Sale is here, bringing together games for all the little things we suddenly want to do when autumn arrives. There are farms to take care of, cakes to bake, tiny shops to run, fish to catch, rooms to decorate, mushrooms to forage and enough potions to brew that you may begin to seriously reconsider your career choices.Selected games are now up to 86% off, and you can use COZY8 for an extra 8% off. But instead of throwing a giant list of discounted games at you and calling it a day, we thought we’d help you find something that actually fits the kind of evening you want to have.Because cozy means something slightly different to everyone.Sometimes you just want another little life to take care of up to 65% off Get Stardew Valley → Few games understand the pleasure of having tiny, completely manageable responsibilities quite as well as Stardew Valley.Your new life begins with an overgrown farm and enough work to keep you busy for a while, but Stardew quickly becomes much more than a game about putting seeds in the ground. Days develop their own rhythm. You wake up, check the weather, water whatever you planted a few days ago and decide what you feel like doing with the rest of your time. Maybe you’ll go fishing. Maybe you’ll head into town because somebody has a birthday. Maybe you’ll finally explore the mines, or maybe you’ll spend the afternoon moving furniture around your farmhouse because you have decided that today this is the most important thing in the world.That freedom is a huge part of why Stardew has remained such a comfort game for so many people. Its world always gives you something to do, but it rarely insists that you do it right now. You gradually learn the seasons, remember which villagers like which gifts, get strangely invested in your animals and develop routines that feel personal to your farm. Before long, returning to Pelican Town can feel less like starting another gaming session and more like checking in on a place you know.It is also extremely easy to sit down intending to play for twenty minutes and emerge several in-game seasons later. Consider yourself warned.Or perhaps it’s finally time to open that tiny bookshop up to 10% off Get Tiny Bookshop → Tiny Bookshop is built around an almost dangerously appealing fantasy: packing a second-hand bookshop into a trailer and taking it to quiet little corners of a seaside town.You spend your days choosing which books to stock, setting up shop in different locations and recommending something good to the people who stop by. As you get to know the town, you also get better at understanding what your customers might actually enjoy, so selling them a book becomes a small interaction rather than another transaction to clear from a queue.There is room to make the shop itself feel like yours, too. You can decorate it with the little objects you collect and gradually turn a simple trailer full of books into the sort of place where you would happily lose an entire rainy afternoon.It is a wonderfully small premise, and that is precisely why it works. You are not trying to build a retail empire or become the greatest bookseller the world has ever known. You are selling books by the sea, meeting people and slowly settling into the life of the town. Sometimes that is more than enough for a good evening.If autumn makes you want to bake something, we have that covered too up to 69% off Get Lemon Cake → There is something particularly unfair about games that fill the screen with cakes when you do not have cake in the house, and Lemon Cake is very good at creating exactly that problem.The game hands you an abandoned bakery and lets you slowly bring it back to life. You clean up the place, repair your kitchen, grow ingredients in the greenhouse and use them to bake the pastries that eventually fill your display cases. Once customers start arriving, the quiet little restoration project becomes a gentle balancing act between preparing food, keeping everyone happy and improving the bakery for another day.What makes the whole thing especially satisfying is seeing the place change around you. At the beginning, it feels forgotten. After spending enough mornings growing ingredients and enough afternoons running between ovens, it starts looking like somewhere people would actually want to spend their time.There is also a friendly ghost involved, because apparently even the afterlife understands that a good bakery is worth hanging around for.If your autumn plans already involve cinnamon, apples and turning the oven on whenever the temperature drops below 15 degrees, this is probably a very natural place to start.You can also build somewhere you’d quite like to live up to 76% off Get Minami Lane → Not everyone finds relaxation in looking after a gigantic city full of citizens who suddenly need a new sewage system. Sometimes one street is plenty.That is the lovely scale of Minami Lane, where you build a small Japanese-inspired neighborhood and gradually fill it with homes, shops, restaurants, greenery and decorations. The management side is still there, so you need to think about what your residents want and how your businesses are doing, but everything happens within a space small enough that you can actually become attached to it.A new shop changes the street. Adding some greenery makes a familiar corner prettier. Residents wander around the neighborhood you have created, and what began as a few empty spaces gradually turns into a place with its own little routines.There is satisfaction in watching something grow without feeling as though you have accidentally accepted a second job. Minami Lane understands that distinction rather well.And yes, autumn means we are legally required to enter our witch eraWe don’t make the rules. up to 82% off Get Alchemy Garden → Alchemy Garden gives you a plot of land, a potion shop and a very good excuse to spend the evening collecting plants. You can grow your own ingredients, explore the surrounding world for materials, experiment with alchemy and sell the potions you make in your shop.The loop is simple enough to settle into. What you gather feeds into what you can create, what you create helps your shop, and your progress gradually opens up more possibilities for both your garden and your alchemy. There is always another ingredient worth looking for or another part of your little setup worth improving.It also happens to fulfil an extremely specific autumn fantasy. You can wander around collecting plants, return home with your ingredients and spend the evening making mysterious things in bottles without ever having to ask yourself whether the mushroom you just picked is edible.Video games really have solved foraging.And Alchemy Garden is only one stop in the witchier corner of the sale. If October has already activated something in you, there is also Alchemy Factory, Alchemy Garden, Witchspire, Alchemist: The Potion Monger and Potions: A Curious Tale waiting to enable it.Cozy doesn’t have to mean staying in one place up to 93% off Get Alba: A Wildlife Adventure → Sometimes the nicest thing a game can give you is somewhere new to wander around for a few hours.Alba: A Wildlife Adventure sends you to a Mediterranean island where Alba is spending the summer with her grandparents. Much of your time is spent exploring the island, spotting animals and photographing the wildlife you find along the way. There is a larger conservation story running through the adventure, but some of its nicest moments come from simply paying attention to what is around you.A bird call can be enough to pull you away from wherever you were heading. You stop, look around, try to work out where it came from and eventually add another photo to your collection. The island rewards curiosity, so getting distracted rarely feels like wasting time.It is a small adventure, but one that understands how nice it can be when a game gives you permission to look around instead of constantly pushing you towards the next objective.Especially when the real view outside your window currently consists of rain.Your next autumn hobby might be hiding somewhere in here Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale → That is probably our favorite thing about putting this sale together. Cozy games are often built around the kinds of small hobbies and routines that are satisfying precisely because there is no huge victory waiting at the end of them.You can spend an evening learning how to run a bakery, disappear to a lake and fish until sunset, wander through the woods looking for mushrooms or sit down with a game about sewing and making things by hand. You might discover a new favorite genre, or you might simply find one lovely game that makes the next few dark evenings a little nicer.For now, the whole Kinguin Cozy Sale is waiting, with selected games up to 86% off and an additional 8% off with code COZY8.So find something that looks like your kind of evening, make yourself comfortable and stay for a while 🍂🧸🥐☕🍪
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Around 19 guns have been picked out of GTA 6's trailers and marketing footage, and eight of them carry names Rockstar invented: a Morgan revolver, a Capo pistol, a Duke carbine and five more. The rest are recognizable only by shape, matched against the real designs they copy. Rockstar has published no weapons list of its own, so every entry below is a community reading of footage rather than an official one.Handguns and revolversHandguns are the best documented category. Four arrive with names and no owner attached: the Morgan revolver, built on a S&W 629; the Mustang .357, which takes its cues from a Colt Python; the Capo, an M1911 in everything but the badge; and the Nipper .38, so far a name and a caliber and nothing more.That is a revolver, a magnum and a .45 service pistol before you reach anything modern. For a game whose flagship region is a Miami analog, the handgun lineup leans period-conscious rather than contemporary.SMGs and machine pistolsNone of the submachine guns has surfaced with a name. The profiles match an MP5, a MAC-10, an Uzi, and the compact MP7, MP9 and TEC-9 family of machine pistols.The Uzi and TEC-9 references lean hard into Vice City's established aesthetic, evoking the era those weapons defined in pop culture. Put an Uzi in the hands of a Leonida hustler and you are quoting a decade, not filling a weapon slot.Rifles and carbinesTwo long guns carry names, and they share one: the Duke carbine, which follows an M4 profile, and the Duke sniper rifle. Past those, the footage has produced an AK-pattern rifle, a Remington 700-style bolt-action and an M1A-style marksman rifle.A bolt-action and a marksman rifle alongside an AK is a reach problem more than a firepower one. This arsenal is being built for distance, which suits a state that runs from a national park in the north to an island chain in the south.ShotgunsThree shotguns have turned up, none of them named: a double-barrel, a Remington 870 and a Benelli M4. That is a break-action, a pump and a semi-automatic, so the category covers the full spread of shotgun mechanics rather than three variations on one.The double-barrel is the interesting one. It reads rural rather than tactical, and it belongs to the swamps and back roads far more than it belongs to Ocean Beach.Heavy weaponsTwo entries sit at the top of the arsenal, both recognized by shape alone: an M249-style light machine gun and a grenade launcher. Neither is a surprise in a Grand Theft Auto game. What they mark is the ceiling, the tier the series keeps in reserve for the point where a job has already gone wrong.Jason and Lucia's sidearmsTwo of the named pistols belong to specific people. The Klose K17 is Lucia Caminos's, and the Girardi ES9 is Jason Duval's.Giving each lead their own pistol is characterization done through the loadout. It is a small thing next to a trailer, but it suggests Rockstar wants the two halves of this game to feel different in your hands and not only in cutscenes.GTA 6 arrives on 19 November 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, at $79.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. Grab your key on Kinguin and be set for launch day.FAQDoes the Ultimate Edition include extra weapons?Yes. Rockstar says the Ultimate Edition adds exclusive vehicles, weapons and premium clothing woven through the narrative, but it has not published the item list and has not said whether any of it affects progression. There is also no announced upgrade path from Standard to Ultimate.Have the GTA 6 weapon leaks been accurate?The September 2022 breach was real: roughly 90 development videos were posted to GTAForums, and Rockstar confirmed the incident publicly. The weapon lists that have circulated since have a much weaker record, and none of them is what the entries above rest on.
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The GTA 6 versus GTA 5 question is not really a comparison of two games, it is a choice between a console launch on 19 November 2026 and a game that has been playable since 2013. What muddies it is that the newer game's most quoted numbers are not Rockstar's numbers at all.San Andreas against LeonidaGTA 5 built its world around Los Santos and Blaine County, one dense city with a rural hinterland behind it. GTA 6 moves to the state of Leonida and six confirmed regions: Vice City, Mount Kalaga National Park, Grassrivers, Leonida Keys, Ambrosia and Port Gellhorn.A state-scale map changes pacing more than raw acreage does. Travel between a national park, coastal keys and separate towns implies longer journeys, more varied terrain and settings that each carry their own tone.Rockstar has published no map size, so the figures in circulation, between 125 and 324 square kilometers, are community measurements taken from trailer geometry. Several sites print them as confirmed. The range is its own warning: an estimate that spans a factor of two and a half is not a measurement of anything.Three men against a criminal coupleGTA 5 gave you Michael, Franklin and Trevor and let you switch between three separate lives mid-mission. GTA 6 pares that back to two, Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, framed by Rockstar as a Bonnie and Clyde pair rather than three men whose paths happen to cross.Lucia is the first playable female lead in the series. Rockstar has given her a history: born in Liberty City, imprisoned after trying to keep her family afloat, taught to fight by her father. Jason served in the military, worked for smugglers out of the Keys, and lives rent free in a place belonging to Brian Heder.What Rockstar has not described is how or when you switch between them. A pair presented as partners suggests the two share scenes in a way GTA 5's trio rarely did, but that is an inference from the framing, not a mechanic anyone has explained.Platforms, and the PC questionGTA 6 is confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S only. There is no PS4 or Xbox One version, and the PS5 Pro is a variant of the PS5 rather than a separately announced platform. No PC release date exists and no PC version has been confirmed, while GTA 5 runs on effectively everything, PC included.Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick said in May 2026 that PC could account for 45 to 50 percent of sales on a launch this size, and that Rockstar starts on consoles because "you're judged by serving the core". When roughly half your potential revenue lives on one platform, you do not abandon it. You schedule it.History gives that schedule a rough shape without promising one. GTA 4 reached PC about seven months after consoles, Red Dead Redemption 2 about twelve, and GTA 5 about nineteen against an original plan of roughly fourteen. That is a spread of a year, which is why waiting for PC is a plan without a date.Should you still buy GTA 5 in 2026?GTA 5 is still the right purchase for a lot of people. PC players have no GTA 6 date to wait for. Anyone who wants to play tonight rather than in November is choosing between the two games that exist and the one that doesn't. First-timers get a finished game with years of content already in it, and the Online communities are active.The price gap is also smaller than the headline suggests. GTA 5's $59.99 in 2013 is roughly $82 in today's money, which makes GTA 6's $79.99 Standard Edition close to flat in real terms. What has actually moved is GTA 5's own price, now a fraction of either figure.So the decision is not either-or. If you want the newest world and can wait for the console launch, GTA 6 is the pre-order. If you want a living game this week, GTA 5 is the purchase, and there is no rule against both.Pre-order GTA 6 for PS5 or Xbox Series X|S on Kinguin ahead of the 19 November 2026 launch, or pick up GTA 5 and in-game items there if you want something to play now.FAQWill GTA 6 Online be available at launch?Rockstar describes the launch as a single-player experience and has not confirmed whether GTA 6 Online will be there on day one. GTA 5's Online is running today, which is the one thing the older game can promise here and the newer one currently cannot.Does the physical GTA 6 edition come with a disc?No. Boxed copies contain a download code rather than a disc, so a physical purchase still needs the same download as a digital one. Both the Standard and Ultimate editions are sold digitally and physically.When did pre-orders open, and when can I preload?Pre-orders opened on 25 June 2026 at midnight local time. Digital preload begins on 12 November 2026, the same day boxed copies reach stores.
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Deciding which GTA 6 cars you will actually be driving looks simple until you realize almost none of them are officially named. Rockstar has published no master vehicle list, so every car below reached this page because someone froze a trailer frame and matched the bodywork to a real model. That is careful work, and it is not the same thing as a confirmation.What "confirmed" means hereRockstar has not published a vehicle list for GTA 6, and it has not published a vehicle count either. Everything named here was identified by players working from Trailer 1 (4 December 2023) and Trailer 2 (6 May 2025), so read the real-world matches as informed reads rather than official statements.That limit bites hardest once you leave four wheels behind. Rockstar has not named a single boat, seaplane or helicopter, even though the Leonida Keys are an archipelago with boats and sharks in the water, so any specific watercraft or aircraft model you see quoted is a read on scenery.Muscle and classicsThis is where Vice City's period flavor lives. The Sirius reads as a classic Dodge Charger, the Vapid Riata leans on lean American muscle, and the Oceanic channels an Oldsmobile Super 88. The Declasse Tulip M-100 maps to a Chevy Malibu, that boxy, sun-faded silhouette that suits a Leonida strip mall.The '55 Vapid Stanier stands out as a 1955 Ford Crown Victoria, a genuinely vintage shape rather than a muscle-era one, and the Albany Buccaneer Custom rounds out the lowrider-adjacent side of the roster. Three more names sit in the identified list with no real-world match attached to them yet: the Bravado Gauntlet Hellfire, the Schyster Deviant and the Schyster PMP.What ties this group together is atmosphere. Vice City is the Miami analogue, down to Ocean Beach, Little Cuba and an Ocean View Hotel callback, and the old metal is the half of the roster built to match it.Supercars and sports carsGrotti carries the exotic end of the list heavily. The '95 Grotti Cheetah and the Grotti Cheetah Classic both surface as period supercars, while the Grotti Carbonizzare and Grotti Furia bring the modern wedge shapes you would expect from the series' stand-in for Italian exotica. The Bravado Banshee covers the American sports-car angle and the Invetero Coquette keeps the Corvette-flavored lineage going.On the grand-touring side, the Pfister Comet S2 Cabrio gives you an open-top German-style coupe and the Benefactor Schafter V12 covers the executive-sedan-with-teeth bracket. Their proportions read cleanly even in a compressed frame, which is part of why this end of the roster firmed up faster than the rest of it.Trucks, SUVs and off-roadersLeonida is not all coastal tarmac. Mount Kalaga National Park and the wetlands of Grassrivers demand vehicles that can leave the road, and the roster reflects that. The Vapid Caracara 4x4 reads as a Ford F-150, the kind of full-size pickup you would actually want on a fire trail, and the Canis Kamacho brings a boxier, more utilitarian off-road build.The '67 Vapid Dominator Buggy is the standout for rough ground, a stripped, high-clearance machine built for dirt rather than showroom shine. The Vapid Ganado maps to a 1970 Ford Ranchero, and that half-car, half-truck shape splits the difference between hauling and cruising in the rural corners of the state.Mount Kalaga is described as hunting, fishing and off-road country, which is the clearest explanation of why a pickup and a stripped buggy share a list with a Cheetah. The wetlands push the same way: they are a region where wheeled vehicles are plainly not the whole answer.MotorcyclesFive bikes have been identified so far: the Dinka Enduro, the Alvino V1, the Carbon RS, the Sanchez and the Manchez. The Alvino V1 reads as a Ducati Panigale V2 or an Aprilia RS 660, which puts a genuinely modern sportbike on a list that otherwise skews rough.The rest of the names lean off-road, and the Sanchez has been a dirt bike in this series for years. In a state that includes a national park with trails and a swamp you cannot take a supercar into, two wheels look less like a side option than they usually do.Returning manufacturersThe manufacturer names answer the biggest reader question by themselves. Vapid, Grotti, Bravado, Declasse, Albany, Benefactor, Canis, Pfister, Invetero, Schyster and Dinka are all long-running series brands, so the evidence so far points to GTA 6 carrying the same fictional automotive universe forward rather than resetting it.A returning manufacturer is not the same as a returning model. The Grotti Cheetah name has appeared before, but the '95 and Classic variants here look like fresh builds within a familiar badge, and Rockstar has not said anything about direct carry-overs. The safe read is that the ecosystem returns while the individual cars are new interpretations.So the roster stands where it stands: twenty-odd cars, five bikes, and no official total from Rockstar to check them against. Both the names and the number get settled on 19 November 2026, and not before.GTA 6 launches 19 November 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, at $79.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. If you want something to drive right now, GTA 5 and its in-game items are on Kinguin.FAQDo the Ultimate Edition's exclusive vehicles appear on this list?No. The Ultimate Edition adds exclusive vehicles, weapons and premium clothing woven through the narrative, but Rockstar has not published the item list or said whether any of it affects progression. None of those vehicles have been named, so none of them are above.What can I drive GTA 6 on at launch?PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only. The PS5 Pro is a PS5 variant rather than a separately announced platform, there is no PS4 or Xbox One version, and Rockstar has announced neither a PC release date nor a PC version at all.Will there be a GTA Online garage at launch?Unclear. Rockstar is describing the launch as a single-player experience and has not confirmed that GTA 6 Online will be available on day one, so there is no word yet on how vehicles are earned or stored outside the story.
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The easy read on the GTA 6 map is neon and money. What Rockstar has actually named is a whole state: a Miami-style coastline, an Everglades-style wetland full of alligators, a shark-filled archipelago in the south and a decayed "forgotten coast" of dead motels, with Vice City as one region out of six. The one number everyone wants, the size of it, is still not a number Rockstar has published.Leonida is a state, not a cityGrand Theft Auto VI is set across Leonida, a fictional Florida, and Vice City is one part of it. The six named regions are Vice City, Mount Kalaga National Park on the northern edge, the Everglades-style wetlands of Grassrivers, the southern archipelago of the Leonida Keys, the industrial sugar town of Ambrosia, and Port Gellhorn, the forgotten coast.Vice City is the glamour and the money, Mount Kalaga the wilderness, Grassrivers the danger, the Keys the open water, Ambrosia the industry and its gangs, and Port Gellhorn the quiet collapse. Together they cover a spread of tones that no single GTA setting has managed before.Lucia Caminos, the first playable female lead in series history, and Jason Duval carry the story across those regions rather than sitting in one of them. Jason served in the military and worked for smugglers out of the Keys, and he lives rent-free in an apartment belonging to Brian Heder, one of those smugglers. The geography is already load-bearing.Vice CityVice City is the Miami stand-in and the center of gravity. Rockstar has named Ocean Beach, Little Cuba, the Tisha-Wocka flea market, Vice City Port and Vice City International Airport, plus an Ocean View Hotel callback that longtime players will recognize on sight.The confirmed supporting cast doubles as a guide to who owns what. Boobie Ike runs real estate, a recording studio and strip clubs; Dre'Quan Priest runs Only Raw Records, with the rap duo Real Dimez signed to it. No other region has a cast dense enough to read as a business district map.The Ocean View Hotel nod is the clearest line of continuity to the older Vice City, and Rockstar has not detailed how the two versions relate beyond the callback itself.The water: the Keys and GrassriversThe Leonida Keys are the southern archipelago, and Rockstar has shown both boats and sharks in those waters. That pairing sets the tone for the region: the sea is terrain here rather than a backdrop, and it is terrain with something in it.Grassrivers is the Everglades-style wetland, all shallow water, tall grass and alligators. Where the Keys open out to a horizon, Grassrivers closes in, and the wildlife supplies the pressure instead of the decoration. Between the two of them, a substantial share of Leonida is places a car cannot reach.The interior: Mount Kalaga and AmbrosiaMount Kalaga National Park runs along the northern border and is the wilderness end of the state, built around hunting, fishing and off-road driving. It is the one region Rockstar has described through activities rather than landmarks, which tells you what it is for.Ambrosia is the industrial sugar town, home to the Allied Crystal refinery and a presence from the Final Chapter biker gang. A refinery and a gang sharing one small town is the most concrete piece of economy-plus-crime Rockstar has put anywhere on the map outside Vice City.Port Gellhorn, the forgotten coastPort Gellhorn is billed as the forgotten coast: cheap motels, closed attractions and empty strip malls, the kind of town a highway used to run through and no longer does. It is Florida's collapse rather than its glamour.Set against Vice City's shine and Ambrosia's industry, Port Gellhorn is what gives the state its melancholy. A quiet place in a loud game is an odd thing to build, and it is the strongest signal that Leonida is meant to be a range of moods rather than one.How big is the GTA 6 map?Rockstar has published no map size figure. The estimates in circulation, roughly 125 to 324 square kilometers, are community measurements taken from trailer geometry, and the gap between the low and high numbers is the tell: scaling landmarks in curated footage means small errors compound into wildly different totals.A state-scale map changes pacing more than raw acreage does, in any case. Travel between a national park, coastal keys and separate towns implies longer journeys and settings that each carry their own tone, which answers the size question better than any figure can. The figure itself gets settled when the game ships on 19 November 2026.GTA 6 launches that day on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, at $79.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. Rockstar's own pre-order window is what carries the Vintage Vice City Pack, which goes to orders placed before 20 November 2026, with the free month of GTA+ limited to digital pre-orders. Console keys are available on Kinguin.FAQWho do you play as across the map?Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, in a relationship Rockstar has framed as Bonnie and Clyde. Lucia was born in Liberty City and imprisoned after trying to hold her family together. Rockstar has not described how or when you switch between the two of them.Has Rockstar announced the GTA 6 voice cast?No. Every name attached to Lucia or Jason so far comes from CVs, agency listings and actors' own comments rather than Rockstar. Several sites present those names as confirmed casting, and they are not.Will GTA 6 Online launch alongside the single-player map?That has not been announced. Rockstar is describing the November release as a single-player experience, and it has not said whether GTA 6 Online will be available at launch, which also leaves the free GTA+ month for digital pre-orders landing in a month that may have little online content to spend it on.
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Deciding how much to trust a GTA 6 leak looks simple, you either believe the footage or you don't, except the record splits sharply once you sort it by date. One item in that record was a criminal breach with a defendant and a court file. Most of the rest was people guessing loudly, and both get filed under the same word.September 2022 and the footage that came out of a breachOn 18 September 2022, roughly 90 videos of GTA 6 in active development appeared on GTAForums, posted by an account calling itself teapotuberhacker. Rockstar confirmed the intrusion. Four years later, that remains the part of the episode that is genuinely established.What the 2022 leak changed was the conversation around studio security and the ethics of circulating stolen work in progress. An internal breach became a public spectacle, and it started a criminal case that is still unresolved.Who was behind it, and what happened nextThe leak was attributed to Arion Kurtaj, reportedly connected to the Lapsus$ group and to a breach at Uber in the same period. In December 2023 he was found unfit to stand trial and given an indefinite hospital order rather than a conventional sentence, after continuing to attempt hacking while in custody.Here is the part recent headlines keep getting wrong. In 2026 Kurtaj was moved out of the secure hospital and into an ordinary prison, with a retrial due in November 2026. He was not released. If you have read otherwise, the source misread a transfer as a discharge.What the release date did after the breachThe comfortable version of this story is that the breach cost the game nothing. The public schedule is messier than that. Rockstar first named a Fall 2025 window in May 2024, moved it in May 2025 to 26 May 2026, then moved it again in November 2025 to 19 November 2026.Two public delays sit between the leak and the launch, which is worth knowing on its own. It is not evidence of cause. A studio can slip a date for reasons that have nothing to do with a stolen build, and nobody outside Rockstar is positioned to connect the two.December 2023 and the trailer that leaked a day earlyNot every GTA 6 leak was a criminal intrusion. In early December 2023 the first official trailer began circulating about a day before its planned reveal, and Rockstar published Trailer 1 officially on 4 December 2023 rather than fight the spread. Trailer 2 followed on 6 May 2025.This episode is instructive because the consequence is visible. You can point to a concrete change in Rockstar's own publishing schedule and trace it to the leak, with no ambiguity and no waiting years to check a claim against a finished game. Almost nothing else in this history is that clean.Leak accuracy, rankedScored against what Rockstar has since confirmed, the record is a short ladder rather than a spectrum. The December 2023 trailer leak sits at the top, verified by its own outcome: the publish date moved. The 2022 dump comes next, genuine material from a breach Rockstar confirmed, though it is the provenance that is established and not any particular account of the contents.Below that, accuracy falls off hard. The weapons lists that circulated later and the recurring rumor that GTA 6 review copies would not be distributed have a much weaker record, and Rockstar has confirmed neither.At the bottom sit claims that were never leaks at all. The map size figures between 125 and 324 square kilometers are community measurements taken from trailer geometry, and the voice cast names in circulation come from resumes and agency listings. Several outlets print both as confirmed. Rockstar has published neither a map size nor a cast.Checking a leak is mostly checking its source. Look at whose account is making the claim and what it got wrong last time, reverse image search any still, and expect self-described insiders to multiply before a launch. Verified footage came from a criminal breach; polished mock-ups shared for engagement usually did not, and that gap between substance and spectacle sits at the heart of why leaks are a problem rather than a scoop.Why leaks are a problem, not a scoopThe 2022 case shows the cost plainly. Private work was taken and posted for anyone to watch, the people who made it had unfinished material judged in public long before they chose to show it, and the criminal case it started is still open.None of that needs a moral lecture attached to it. It does mean a leak of this kind is a story about a theft first and a game second, which is a different thing from a scoop.If you would rather wait for the finished game than watch stolen fragments of it, GTA 6 launches on 19 November 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and keys for both consoles are listed on Kinguin.FAQWhich platforms is GTA 6 launching on?Rockstar and Take-Two name PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S only. There is no PS4 or Xbox One version, and the PS5 Pro is a variant of the PS5 rather than a separately announced platform. No PC release date has been announced and no PC version has been confirmed.What do GTA 6 pre-orders include?The Vintage Vice City Pack goes to all orders placed before 20 November 2026, with physical copies covered while stocks last. The free month of GTA+ is limited to digital pre-orders, so the two bonuses do not travel together.Will GTA 6 Online be available at launch?Rockstar has described the launch as a single-player experience and has not confirmed whether GTA 6 Online will be available on day one. That is worth holding next to the free GTA+ month, since a subscription handed to you in November may or may not land during a period when there is much to spend it on.
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Marking 19 November 2026 on your calendar is the easy part. The harder part is separating what Rockstar has said from the estimates stacked around it. GTA 6 is confirmed for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, so for many players a console upgrade is part of the cost of entry. And the number repeated most about the game, its map size, has never come from Rockstar.Release date and the road to itGTA 6 will launch on 19 November 2026. That date is the endpoint of a road that shifted twice, with Rockstar naming each new target rather than letting the old one quietly lapse.The first window came in May 2024, when Rockstar named a Fall 2025 release. In May 2025 that slipped to 26 May 2026. Then in November 2025 the date moved once more, landing on 19 November 2026. Those earlier windows are history rather than promises.PlatformsGTA 6 is set for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and those are the only platforms Rockstar has named. There is no PS4 version and no Xbox One version. The PS5 Pro sits inside the PS5 family rather than arriving as a separate release, so it is a variant of a platform already named, not a third option.A PC version is the obvious absence, and Rockstar has confirmed neither a release nor a date. Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick said in May 2026 that PC can be 45 to 50 percent of a big launch's sales, but that Rockstar starts on consoles because "you're judged by serving the core." When half your revenue lives on one platform, you do not abandon it. You schedule it.Editions, prices and pre-ordersThere are two editions, the Standard Edition at $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $99.99. Ultimate adds exclusive vehicles, weapons and premium apparel woven through the narrative, though Rockstar has not itemized the contents, and no upgrade path from Standard to Ultimate has been announced. Both editions come in digital and physical form, and the physical box holds a download code rather than a disc.Pre-orders opened on 25 June 2026 at midnight local time. Digital pre-load starts on 12 November 2026, the same day boxes reach stores. The Vintage Vice City Pack goes to every order placed before 20 November 2026, with physical stock limited to availability, while one free month of GTA+ is reserved for digital pre-orders only.Rockstar describes the launch as a single-player experience, and it has not confirmed that GTA 6 Online will be available on day one. That matters for the GTA+ month, since a membership tied to the online offering is worth less in a month when there may be nothing online to spend it on.The state of LeonidaGTA 6 takes place in the state of Leonida, and Rockstar has named six regions. Vice City is the returning urban center, a Miami analog taking in Ocean Beach, Little Cuba, the Tisha-Wocka market, Vice City Port and the airport. Mount Kalaga National Park covers the north with hunting, fishing and off-road terrain, and Grassrivers is Everglades-style swampland with alligators.The rest fills out the state. Leonida Keys is an island chain in the south with sharks and boats, Ambrosia an industrial sugar town around the Allied Crystal refinery and the Final Chapter biker gang, and Port Gellhorn a "forgotten coast" of cheap motels, shuttered attractions and empty malls.A state-scale map changes pacing more than raw acreage does. Travel between a national park, coastal keys and separate towns implies longer journeys, more varied terrain and settings that each carry their own tone. Rockstar has not said how the regions connect or how they compare in scale.It has also published no map size. The figures in circulation, spanning roughly 125 to 324 square kilometers, come from community measurement of trailer geometry, fans scaling landmarks out of compressed video. That method cannot account for lens, elevation or the parts of the state no trailer has shown, which is why any site printing one of those numbers as confirmed is overstating it.The protagonists and the confirmed castThere are two protagonists, and Rockstar frames them as a Bonnie and Clyde pair, though it has not said how or when you switch between them. Lucia Caminos is the first playable female lead in the series' history, born in Liberty City, jailed after trying to hold her family together, and taught to fight by her father.Jason Duval served in the army, worked for smugglers out of the Keys, and lives rent-free in an apartment owned by Brian Heder, himself a Keys smuggler. Jason's friend Cal Hampton is a homebody with a taste for conspiracy theories. Stefanie is Lucia's caseworker at the Leonida Department of Corrections, and Raul Bautista is a bank robber whose jobs keep getting more reckless.Vice City's business side runs through Boobie Ike, an entrepreneur with real estate, a recording studio and strip clubs, and Dre'Quan Priest, who runs Only Raw Records and is a hustler rather than a gangster. Real Dimez, the rap duo of Roxy and Bae-Luxe, are signed to Only Raw and carry a heavy social media presence.Other names on circulating cast lists are not confirmed. Rockstar has published no voice cast at all, so every actor credit attached to these roles is unofficial, however often it is reported as settled.The trailers and the 2022 leakOfficial footage runs to two trailers. The first arrived on 4 December 2023, a day ahead of schedule after it leaked, and the second followed on 6 May 2025. "Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look" premiered on 27 August 2026 at 3pm ET, exclusively on Netflix, reaching Rockstar's own channels roughly six hours later. A Netflix-first release is a genuine first for the series.The trailer being pulled forward was a small echo of a much larger breach. On 18 September 2022 around 90 development videos were posted to GTAForums by an account calling itself teapotuberhacker, and Rockstar confirmed the incident publicly. The material was attributed to Arion Kurtaj, linked to the Lapsus$ group and to the Uber intrusion.In December 2023 Kurtaj was detained indefinitely in a secure hospital, after being found unfit to stand trial and making further intrusion attempts while in custody. In 2026 he was discharged from the psychiatric hospital but transferred to an ordinary prison rather than released, with a retrial set for November 2026.If you are buying at launch, keys and account options for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S are listed on Kinguin, and it is worth checking what your platform's version costs on the day you commit. Note the region and activation so the key matches your console: browse GTA 6 on Kinguin.FAQIf a PC version happens, how long might the wait be?Rockstar's past console-to-PC gaps are the only guide, and they vary widely. GTA 4 took about seven months, Red Dead Redemption 2 about twelve, and GTA 5 about nineteen, against an original plan of roughly fourteen. No GTA 6 PC version has been announced, so treat that spread as history, not a schedule.Are the newer GTA 6 leaks as reliable as the 2022 one?No. The 2022 breach was confirmed by Rockstar and prosecuted in court, which is why it is a documented event. The later material passed around since then, such as weapon lists and the rumor about review copies, has a much weaker track record and none of that verification behind it.
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The GTA 6 standard vs ultimate edition choice looks like a coin flip, since the two versions are separated by exactly $20 and share the same game, release date and platforms. Inside that gap sits a bundle of premium vehicles, weapons and apparel, and nothing else. The pre-order bonuses are a separate matter, and one of the two is narrower than most buyers assume.GTA 6 editions and pricesRockstar is selling GTA 6 in two flavors. The Standard Edition costs $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition costs $99.99, both sold digitally and in a box, and both launching on 19 November 2026. Pre-orders opened on 25 June 2026.Neither version changes where you can play. This is PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, with the PS5 Pro a variant of the PS5 rather than a separate purchase. So the whole question of Standard vs Ultimate comes down to what those extra dollars buy.What's in the GTA 6 Standard EditionThe Standard Edition is the full game, and for most players it is all you need. You get the whole single-player campaign, set across the state of Leonida and following Lucia Caminos, the first playable female lead in the series, and Jason Duval. All six regions, from Vice City to Mount Kalaga National Park, are in this tier; no part of the world is held back.One detail catches physical buyers off guard, and it applies to both editions: the box holds a download code, not a disc. You install the whole game over the internet either way, which also means a used box is just packaging once the code has been redeemed. Digital pre-orders can pre-load from 12 November 2026, the same day boxes reach stores, so neither format gets a head start.What's in the GTA 6 Ultimate EditionThe Ultimate Edition adds exclusive premium vehicles, weapons and apparel, which Rockstar describes as woven through the narrative rather than bolted on as a menu of extras. Rockstar has not itemized the bundle, or said whether any of it affects progression. Without that list, the only honest way to price Ultimate is as a $20 bet on gear you cannot see yet.It is also worth being clear about what Ultimate is not. Rockstar frames the launch as a single-player experience and has not said whether GTA 6 Online will be live on day one. The extra gear is not being sold to you as an online-mode head start.The pre-order bonus, Vintage Vice City Pack and GTA+There are two bonuses here, and merging them is where people go wrong. The Vintage Vice City Pack goes to every order placed before 20 November 2026, across both editions and both formats, with physical copies covered while stocks last. Since the game itself arrives on 19 November, the pre-order bonus outlives launch day, so there is no deadline racing you to midnight.The second bonus is narrower. One free month of GTA+ applies to digital pre-orders only, whichever edition you pick, and physical buyers do not get it. Since Rockstar hasn't said whether Online will be available at launch, a free month handed to you in November may or may not land during a period when there is much to spend it on, so don't overweight it.Is the Ultimate Edition worth $20 more?For the average player, Standard is the smart buy, and Ultimate is worth it only if the extra gear genuinely excites you. Twenty dollars spread across dozens of hours is a small premium, so this is not about money being tight. It comes down to whether premium vehicles and apparel are something you care about, or something you forget by the second mission.Pick Standard if you mostly want the story and the world. Pick Ultimate if you always buy the loaded edition and like starting a Rockstar game with a fuller garage and wardrobe. Rockstar has not announced any Standard-to-Ultimate upgrade path, so if you suspect you will want the extras, buying up front beats banking on a route that may never appear.Compare live Kinguin pricing for EU PS5 and Xbox Series X|S keys, plus account options, before you commit. Marketplace prices for the same edition move independently of Rockstar's $79.99 and $99.99, so it pays to check what a key costs on the day you buy. Note the region and activation carefully so your key matches your platform: see GTA 6 pricing on Kinguin.
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Rockstar has named two GTA 6 protagonists and seven supporting characters, and that list is the entire confirmed cast. Lucia Caminos is the first playable woman in a mainline Grand Theft Auto, and Jason Duval is the other half of a pairing Rockstar describes as Bonnie and Clyde. Every voice actor attached to those roles online comes from somewhere other than Rockstar.Lucia CaminosLucia Caminos was born in Liberty City and was imprisoned for trying to provide for her family. Her father taught her to fight. Those are the two biographical details Rockstar has given her, and together they point at a motive the series has not used before: not ambition, but obligation.She is also the only confirmed character with a formal tie to the state. Stefanie, Lucia's counselor at the Leonida Department of Corrections, is the one name on this cast list whose job is oversight rather than hustle, which marks Lucia's half of the story as the half with something watching it.Jason Duval, the other half of the pairJason Duval has military service behind him, has worked for smugglers in the Leonida Keys, and lives rent-free at a place belonging to Brian Heder. That is the whole of his confirmed background, and all of it puts him inside the criminal economy of Leonida before the story starts.Rockstar has confirmed the two leads and the Bonnie and Clyde framing, but has not said how or when the game switches between them. The framing itself is a real narrowing after GTA 5. Three leads meant a heist crew of specialists; two leads bound to each other means the story is a relationship first, and the crimes are what the relationship does.The names around themBrian Heder is a Keys smuggler and the owner of the place Jason lives in. Cal Hampton is Jason's friend, a homebody with a taste for conspiracy theories. Raul Bautista is a bank robber whose jobs are getting more reckless.Three descriptions, three different kinds of trouble: a man who moves goods, a man who never leaves the house, and a man who walks into banks. Rockstar has attached nothing else to any of them.Vice City money and musicBoobie Ike is a Vice City entrepreneur whose interests run across real estate, a recording studio and strip clubs. Dre'Quan Priest runs Only Raw Records and is framed as a hustler rather than a gangster. Real Dimez, the duo of Roxy and Bae-Luxe, are signed to Only Raw and carry a heavy social media presence.Those three fit together on their own: a man with a studio, a label owner, and the act on that label. It is a self-contained web of ambition, image and cash, and it is the only corner of the confirmed cast defined by what these characters are building rather than what they are taking.No voice cast, and three names that are not confirmedRockstar has not announced a single voice actor for GTA 6. The names circulating for Jason, Lucia and the supporting cast trace back to resumes, agency listings and actors' own offhand comments, so nobody yet knows who is playing these parts.Three more characters turn up on some cast lists: Lori Heder, Phil and Wyman. Rockstar has not confirmed any of them, which is why they are not in the list above.GTA 6 arrives on 19 November 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, at $79.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. You can pick up a key on Kinguin.FAQWhen does GTA 6 come out, and on what?19 November 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. There is no PS4 or Xbox One version, and Rockstar has neither confirmed a PC release nor given one a date. Physical copies contain a download code rather than a disc.Will GTA 6 Online be there at launch?Rockstar describes the launch version as a single-player experience and has not confirmed that GTA 6 Online will be available on day one. The free month of GTA+ that comes with digital pre-orders may therefore arrive before there is much to spend it on.
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Waiting out GTA 6 sounds simple until you notice what the 19 November 2026 release actually is, a PS5 and Xbox Series X|S game with no announced PC version at all. That reshapes the whole question if PC is where you play. It also means the phrase games like GTA has to do real work, because it means five different things to five different people.One reader wants a slow-burn crime story, one wants a car that settles into a corner, one wants a systems toy where the fun is in breaking the rules. The picks below are sorted by which of those you are chasing, with platforms and rough prices. Those prices are typical marketplace rates and they move over time.If you want the crime storyRed Dead Redemption 2 is the obvious first stop and it earns it. It is Rockstar's own open world, built with the same DNA as GTA, and its story about a fading outlaw gang is the studio's most affecting writing to date. It runs on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, usually $20 to $40 depending on the sale.Mafia: Definitive Edition is tighter and more linear, a full remake of a period crime tale that trades sprawl for a focused rise-and-fall arc. It sits in the same $20 to $40 band across PS5, Xbox and PC. Sleeping Dogs drops you undercover in Hong Kong with brutal hand-to-hand combat and a genuine sense of place, and it is the best-value pick on this page.The Yakuza and Like a Dragon games give you the crime fantasy filtered through melodrama and comedy, with districts packed dense with side stories. They fall short only on scale, since their worlds are cities rather than states. If what you love about GTA is the writing rather than the acreage, start here.If you want the drivingForza Horizon 5 is the purest driving high on this list. It is not a crime game at all, but if what you love about GTA is the moment a car settles into a corner, nothing here handles better. It lives on Xbox Series X|S and PC, often around $30 to $50.Watch Dogs 2 gives you a sunlit San Francisco with light traffic and a hacking layer that lets you mess with the road itself. It is usually under $20 on PC, Xbox and PlayStation, and it is a warmer, funnier alternative to GTA's harder edge.Cyberpunk 2077 is the other end of the scale. Night City is one of the densest urban spaces ever built, and its driving has come a long way since launch. It runs on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, typically $30 to $40 now.If you want the chaos sandboxThe Saints Row series exists for people who found GTA too self-serious. It hands you absurd weapons, over-the-top missions and a city that treats destruction as the point rather than a side effect. The older entries are frequently under $20 across PC, PlayStation and Xbox.Just Cause is the physics toy in its rawest form, a grappling hook, a parachute and a wingsuit that turn every explosion into a launchpad. It rewards improvisation over planning and goes cheap regularly. Watch Dogs: Legion runs a different flavor of chaos, letting you recruit and play as anyone in a near-future London.Goat Simulator 3 is the comic outlier, a deliberately broken sandbox that treats bugs as features and works best in short, silly bursts. It is inexpensive on every current platform. None of these asks you to care about a plot, which is the whole appeal.If you want co-opGTA 5 Online is the honest answer here. The crew-and-heist fantasy that Rockstar has not confirmed for GTA 6's launch already exists there, with a decade of content behind it, and GTA 5 itself frequently drops under $20 on PC and both consoles.Beyond that, Watch Dogs: Legion and the Saints Row games carry co-op campaigns, so two of the chaos picks above double as something to do with a friend. Co-op is also the cheapest way to stretch a game you already own instead of buying another one.If you're on PC and have no GTA 6 dateThe strongest single answer is GTA 5 Enhanced with mods. It is the same world you already love, running better than ever, and the modding scene turns it into dozens of different games. That matters more on PC than anywhere else, because the PC wait is the open-ended one.After that, Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077 are the two best modern open worlds available on PC, both usually in the $30 to $40 range, and both hold up for dozens of hours. These are the games like GTA for PC worth your money right now.None of these replaces GTA 6, and we are not going to pretend they do. What they do is fill the gap honestly while you wait for a release you cannot yet mark on a calendar.When GTA 6 arrivesGTA 6 releases 19 November 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a Standard Edition at $79.99 and an Ultimate Edition at $99.99. Digital pre-load opens 12 November 2026 and boxed copies reach retail the same day, though those boxes hold a download code rather than a disc.Pre-orders have been open since 25 June 2026. Orders placed before 20 November 2026 get the Vintage Vice City Pack, physical copies while stocks last, and the free month of GTA+ goes to digital pre-orders only. Rockstar frames the launch as a single-player experience and has not said whether GTA 6 Online will be there on day one.Until then, the picks above are worth playing on their own terms rather than as a waiting room. If you are getting set for 19 November, Kinguin carries GTA 5, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S keys for GTA 6, and PSN and Xbox gift cards.FAQAre there GTA-like games on PS5?Yes, and several of them. Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Mafia: Definitive Edition, Just Cause and the Saints Row games all run on PS5, spanning crime stories, driving and chaos sandboxes, and most sit comfortably in the $20 to $40 range.Does the GTA 6 Ultimate Edition change how the game plays?Rockstar has not said. Ultimate adds exclusive vehicles, weapons and premium clothing described as woven through the narrative, but no full item list has been published and nothing confirms whether any of it affects progression. There is also no announced upgrade path from Standard to Ultimate.
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The real decision here is whether to buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S for the 19 November 2026 console launch or hold out for a PC version. The catch is that no GTA 6 PC release date exists to hold out for, because Rockstar has confirmed neither a PC edition nor a date. Everything you can responsibly say about GTA 6 on PC rests on two things, one quote from Take-Two's CEO and Rockstar's own history of porting its games.What Rockstar and Take-Two have actually saidIn May 2026, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick explained the console-first approach by saying Rockstar leads on consoles because "you're judged by serving the core." In the same breath he acknowledged that PC could represent 45 to 50% of a major launch's sales. That is the single most valuable thing anyone official has said about GTA 6 on PC.Read carefully, the quote does two jobs. It shows that launching on consoles first is a deliberate choice rather than a technical limitation, and it signals that PC is far too large a market to ignore. When roughly half your potential revenue lives on one platform, you do not abandon it. You schedule it.The quote is about strategy, not scheduling. It turns "is GTA 6 coming to PC" into a question of when rather than if, and it stops there.Rockstar's PC track recordThe precedent is consistent in shape if not in length. GTA 4 reached PC roughly seven months after its console debut, Red Dead Redemption 2 around twelve, and GTA 5 about nineteen, against an original pre-delay plan closer to fourteen.Those gaps do not line up with how ambitious each game was. GTA 5's long wait reflected a staggered generational strategy, with console re-releases arriving before the eventual PC edition. Read the three numbers as a range Rockstar has worked within, not as a rule with a cause attached to it.So when might GTA 6 reach PC?Seven to nineteen months after 19 November 2026 puts a PC edition somewhere between the middle of 2027 and the middle of 2028. That is a projection off three data points, and the twelve-month mark sits closest to Rockstar's most recent port, which is the one most likely to reflect how the studio works now.Rockstar is also unlikely to say anything until the console launch has settled. An early PC date pulls attention off the version the studio chose to lead with, and it commits the team to a deadline before they know how the port is going. That argues against news in the first weeks after launch whatever state the port is actually in.Why there are no GTA 6 PC system requirementsThere are no official GTA 6 PC system requirements. Rockstar has published no PC specifications and has not confirmed the version those specifications would describe, so any GPU tier, RAM figure or storage number circulating now has no official document behind it.Treat a requirements list the way you would treat a "leaked" internal date. Until it appears on the Rockstar Newswire or an official store page, it is not something to plan a hardware upgrade around.What PC players can do right nowGTA 5 Enhanced on PC is the anchor. It is the same Los Santos with better lighting and framerates, and the modding scene has spent a decade turning it into dozens of different games. If you drifted away once the story ended, that is where the hours are.Red Dead Redemption 2 is the closest thing to GTA that exists, because it shares a creator, and its outlaw story is Rockstar's most affecting writing. Cyberpunk 2077 has the densest city on this list in Night City, and both its handling and its performance are far better than they were at launch. Both go cheap in sales.Watch Dogs 2 is the lightest of these, a sunlit San Francisco with forgiving traffic and a hacking layer to play with, and it is the cheapest route to an open city with cars in it. Saints Row covers the other extreme, the comic sandbox GTA stopped being years ago. Between those five, the wait is a scheduling problem rather than a drought.Should you buy a PS5 or Xbox for GTA 6?If you buy a console purely for GTA 6, you are paying for hardware plus a full-price game to avoid a wait that could run a year or more. What that money actually buys is a date certain, which is the one thing the PC route cannot offer you.Weigh what else the machine earns you. A current-gen console brings an exclusive library you cannot get on PC and a straightforward path to launch day. For someone who plays console games anyway, the math works. For someone buying a box for one countdown, it usually does not.If you are staying on PC, Kinguin has GTA 5 if an enhanced return is where you start, and PS5 and Xbox Series X|S keys for GTA 6 if you decide the console route is worth it. Either way, spend on what you can play now.FAQIs there a PS4 or Xbox One version of GTA 6?No. Rockstar and Take-Two name PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S only, and there is no last-generation edition. The PS5 Pro is a variant of the PS5 rather than a separately announced platform, so it does not need one either.Do physical copies of GTA 6 include a disc?No. The boxed editions contain a download code, so whether your console has a disc drive does not affect this purchase. Digital pre-load opens 12 November 2026 and boxes reach shops the same day.Will GTA 6 Online be available at launch?Rockstar has not said. It describes the launch as a single-player experience and has not confirmed whether GTA 6 Online is part of it, which is worth knowing before you buy hardware with a co-op plan in mind.
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Thank YOU, Kings ❤️20 million registered users!It's a number we're incredibly proud of, but behind that number is something much more important: YOU.Whether you've been with us for years or just joined the KINGdom yesterday, thank you for being part of this journey.Thank you for every purchase, every recommendation, every message, every review and every piece of feedback you've shared with us along the way. Your ideas, opinions and support have helped shape Kinguin into what it is today.Gaming has always been about bringing people together and we're grateful that millions of you chose Kinguin as part of your gaming story. As we celebrate this milestone, we're not just looking back at how far we've come - we're excited about everything that's still ahead. New adventures, new features, new games and new ways to make your experience even better.From everyone at Kinguin: Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your support. Thank you for being part of our Kingdom.Here's to the next chapter and to many more years of gaming together 🧡YOUR Kinguin Team
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Every year, May the 4th brings the galaxy together - but in 2026, the Force feels stronger than ever. Whether you're a lifelong Jedi, a Sith in disguise or just someone looking to finally dive into the Star Wars universe, this year’s celebrations come packed with game deals, rewards and a few surprises worthy of a holocron.From modern hits to timeless classics, this is more than just a sale - it’s a full-blown Star Wars experience. A galaxy of deals: From Jedi Survivors to Classic LegendsLet’s start with the obvious - the games.This year’s May the 4th lineup brings together some of the most iconic Star Wars titles across generations. Leading the charge is Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, a cinematic, story-driven sequel that continues Cal Kestis’ journey in a darker, more dangerous galaxy. For fans of large-scale battles, Star Wars Battlefront II still delivers chaotic multiplayer clashes across legendary locations.But it’s not just about the modern era.Classic experiences like Knights of the Old Republic and Dark Forces are also part of the celebration, proving that great Star Wars storytelling never goes out of style. And if you’re looking for something more lighthearted, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga remains one of the most accessible and entertaining ways to relive the entire saga.The Mystery Box: Let the Force decide your fateNot every journey is predictable - and that’s exactly the point.The “May the Loot Be With You” Mystery Box adds a layer of surprise to the celebration. Instead of choosing your next adventure, you let the Force decide. Each box contains a random title from a curated selection, including heavy hitters like Jedi: Survivor, Battlefront Classic Collection and even Mass Effect Legendary Edition.It’s part gamble, part discovery - and for many players, that’s where the fun begins. Get it here.Win the Millennium FalconNo Star Wars event would be complete without something big - and this year’s giveaway delivers.Players can enter a contest for a chance to win the LEGO Millennium Falcon (#75192), one of the most iconic collector’s sets ever released. Alongside it, additional prizes like Kinguin gift cards are up for grabs, making it a solid opportunity whether you’re a collector, a builder or just here for the loot.Entry is simple, but the reward? Legendary. Something for every kind of fanWhat makes this May the 4th event stand out is how wide its reach is.Want a deep, narrative-driven journey? - Jedi seriesPrefer competitive or large-scale battles? - BattlefrontLooking for nostalgia? - KOTOR, Dark ForcesPlaying with friends or just chilling? - LEGO Star Wars The Force is strong with this oneAt its core, May the 4th has always been about celebrating what makes Star Wars special - stories, choices and the feeling that you’re part of something bigger.This year’s event captures that perfectly. Between discounted games, mystery rewards and a chance to win one of the most iconic ships in sci-fi history, there’s a clear message:Your journey starts now and May the 4th be with you!
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At first glance, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era might not seem like the kind of game that dominates headlines. There’s no massive cinematic push, no loud marketing campaign trying to convince everyone that this is the next big thing in strategy games. And yet, the more you look at it, the more it starts to feel like something quietly important - not just for long-time fans, but for the genre as a whole.Because in a landscape where strategy games are constantly trying to move faster, automate more, and appeal to broader audiences, Olden Era seems to be doing something surprisingly rare: It’s slowing things down.A different kind of strategy game in a modern marketModern strategy games often lean toward speed and efficiency. Whether it’s real-time gameplay, heavy automation, or systems designed to minimize downtime, the goal is usually the same - keep players constantly engaged, constantly reacting.The Olden Era takes a different route. By staying firmly in the turn-based space, it brings back a style of play where time is on your side. You’re not rushing to keep up. You’re planning, exploring and making decisions that unfold over time. It’s a design philosophy that used to define the genre, but has become less common in recent years. Why going back to Erathia actually mattersWorldbuilding has always been a huge part of what made Heroes memorable. The sense of place, the factions, the atmosphere - these weren’t just background elements, they shaped how you played and how you connected with the game.By revisiting a more classic fantasy tone, Olden Era taps into something that feels familiar without needing to rely entirely on nostalgia. It creates a world that’s easy to understand, but still rich enough to explore. For returning players, it feels like coming home. For new players, it’s an accessible entry point.Clarity over chaosOne of the more subtle strengths of the Olden Era, at least based on what we’ve seen so far, is its focus on clarity. In many modern strategy games, complexity can sometimes come at the cost of readability. Systems stack on top of systems, and while that can create depth, it can also make the experience harder to follow.Olden Era seems to avoid that trap. The visuals are designed to support gameplay, not overwhelm it. The map is readable, the units are distinct, and the overall structure feels intentional. It’s the kind of design that lets players focus on decisions instead of deciphering the interface.That might not sound flashy, but it’s incredibly important and often overlooked.Not just for veteransIt would be easy to assume that Olden Era is aimed purely at long-time fans of the series. And while they are clearly a key audience, the game also has the potential to reach beyond that.By combining familiar mechanics with modern usability, it creates a space where new players can jump in without feeling lost. The core ideas are simple enough to understand, but layered enough to reward those who want to go deeper.In a way, it offers something that many strategy games struggle with: a low barrier to entry, but a high skill ceiling. That’s a powerful combination, especially in today’s market.A quiet contenderOlden Era might not be the loudest release on the horizon, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked. In fact, its more restrained approach could end up being its biggest strength. By focusing on what actually makes strategy games satisfying - thoughtful pacing, clear systems and meaningful decisions it positions itself as something that can stick with players for the long term. You don’t have to wait to jump inIf you’re already interested, there’s good news - you don’t have to just watch from the sidelines. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is already available on Kinguin, making it easy to secure your copy ahead of release.And if you’re feeling nostalgic, you can also pick up the classic Heroes games there - including Heroes III and other entries that defined the series.
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For a lot of players, Heroes of Might and Magic III isn’t just another strategy game from the past - it’s something that quietly shaped how they think about games even today. It’s the kind of title people reinstall every few years, telling themselves it’s just for a quick session, only to realize hours later that they’re still chasing that one last turn before going to bed.That magic never really disappeared. What did disappear, however, was a true continuation of it.Over the years, we’ve seen new entries try to carry the Heroes name forward, but something always felt slightly off. Sometimes it was the tone, sometimes the mechanics, and sometimes it was harder to define - just a general feeling that the soul of the series had been lost somewhere along the way. Players didn’t necessarily want something bigger or more modern. They wanted something that understood why the older games worked in the first place.And that’s where Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era starts to feel… different.Not a reinvention and that’s the pointWhat immediately stands out about the Olden Era isn’t that it’s trying to push the genre in a bold new direction. If anything, it feels like it’s doing the opposite - stepping back, slowing down and looking closely at what made Heroes special to begin with.From the early footage and details we’ve seen so far, there’s a clear focus on readability and structure. The map feels designed to be explored, not rushed through. The gameplay loop appears deliberate, encouraging players to think ahead instead of reacting in real time. It doesn’t scream for attention with flashy systems or unnecessary complexity. Instead, it quietly suggests that maybe the best way forward is to respect what already worked.That approach alone is enough to catch the attention of long-time fans. The kind of strategy people actually missThere’s a reason people still talk about Heroes III the way they do, and it’s not just nostalgia.It’s about the rhythm of the game - the slow buildup, the tension of deciding where to move next, the satisfaction of finally outplaying an opponent after carefully planning several turns ahead. It’s about having enough systems to create depth, but not so many that the experience becomes overwhelming.Olden Era seems to lean into that philosophy. It brings back a pace that allows decisions to breathe, where exploration feels meaningful and every resource matters. Instead of trying to compete with faster, more chaotic strategy games, it embraces a more thoughtful approach - one that rewards patience and planning.In a market full of games trying to be louder and faster, that kind of restraint actually stands out.Familiar, but not stuck in the pastWhat’s interesting is that the Olden Era doesn’t appear to be chasing nostalgia blindly. While it clearly draws inspiration from earlier titles, it doesn’t feel like a simple copy.There’s an effort to balance familiarity with subtle modernization. The visuals, for example, seem to aim for clarity as much as style, making it easier to read the battlefield and navigate the world. The systems look approachable enough for new players, while still offering depth for those who want to dive deeper.That balance could be crucial. Because while long-time fans are the obvious audience, the game also has a chance to introduce a new generation to a type of strategy experience that’s become surprisingly rare. Hope, with a bit of cautionIf there’s one thing the Heroes community has learned over the years, it’s to be careful with expectations.There’s definitely excitement around the Olden Era, but it’s a quieter kind of hype - less about bold promises, and more about cautious optimism. Players are paying attention, analyzing every bit of gameplay footage, trying to figure out whether this is finally the game that gets it right.And for the first time in a long while, there’s a growing sense that it just might. A comeback worth watchingIt’s still too early to say whether Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era will reach the same legendary status as Heroes III. That’s a level very few games ever achieve.But what it’s already doing is arguably just as important.It’s reminding people why they fell in love with the series in the first place, while suggesting that those ideas can still work today without being radically reinvented. If the final game delivers on what it’s currently showing, this could be more than just another entry in the series - it could be a genuine return to form.And for fans who have been waiting for something like this for years, that possibility alone is enough to get excited. Ready to return to the world of Heroes?If reading this made you want to jump back into the series, you don’t actually have to wait for Olden Era to release.You can already explore the world of Heroes of Might and Magic on Kinguin, where you’ll find not only the upcoming Olden Era, but also the classic entries that defined the genre - including the legendary Heroes III.So whether you’re coming back for nostalgia or preparing for what’s next, one thing is clear: the Heroes journey is far from over.
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Fußball in Deutschland ist mehr als nur ein Spiel.Er ist Teil unserer Kultur, unserer Biografien, unserer Wochenenden. Er begleitet uns seit der Kindheit – vom Bolzplatz hinterm Haus bis zum ersten Derby mit dem Vater.Für Millionen Menschen bedeutet Fußball Zugehörigkeit. Zu einem Verein. Zu einer Stadt. Zu einer Gemeinschaft.Doch genau dieser verbindende Kern des Sports gerät zunehmend unter Druck.Um heute die wichtigsten Wettbewerbe legal verfolgen zu können, müssen Fans in Deutschland mehrere Abonnements abschließen – und am Ende weit über 1.400 Euro pro Saison bezahlen. Nicht für Tickets. Nicht für Trikots. Nicht für das Bier im Stadion. Sondern allein für den digitalen Zugang zum Bildschirm.Fußball wird damit schleichend vom Volkssport zum Premiumprodukt. Wer nicht zahlt, bleibt außen vor. Familien müssen abwägen, Studierende verzichten, ältere Fans verlieren den Anschluss an „ihren“ Verein.Das ist kein Fortschritt. Das ist Entfremdung.Denn Fußball lebt nicht von Paywalls – er lebt von Menschen. Von Emotionen. Von der gemeinsamen Erfahrung, die Generationen, Einkommen und Lebenswelten miteinander verbindet.Wenn sich Millionen Fans fragen, ob sie sich ihren Lieblingssport noch leisten können, läuft etwas grundlegend falsch.Und genau hier beginnt diese Geschichte. Fußball war einmal für alle daDer legendäre Kapitän der deutschen Nationalmannschaft, langjähriger Spieler des FC Bayern München und eine Ikone der Bundesliga brachte die Werte des Sports klar auf den Punkt:„Sportliches Verhalten bedeutet faires Verhalten.”— Philipp LahmFairness bedeutete früher auch: Zugänglichkeit. Fußball war etwas, das man nach der Arbeit einschalten konnte, ohne zuerst das eigene Budget zu prüfen.Um heute in Deutschland alle relevanten Fußballwettbewerbe legal verfolgen zu können, reicht längst kein einzelnes Abo mehr aus. Die Übertragungsrechte sind auf verschiedene Anbieter verteilt – jeder besitzt nur einen Teil des Gesamtpakets. Wer Bundesliga, internationale Wettbewerbe und die entscheidenden Top-Spiele sehen will, muss mehrere Plattformen parallel abonnieren. Erst in der Summe wird sichtbar, wie teuer dieser zersplitterte Markt für Fans wirklich ist. Wie sieht es genau in Zahlen aus? ca. 1340€ Genau so viel wirst du in den kommenden Jahren in Deutschland zahlen müssen, um einfach nur Fußball schauen zu können. Der Fußball ist noch da – doch die Direktanbieter machen den Zugang jedes Jahr teurerWie genannt, wer Bundesliga und die großen europäischen Wettbewerbe verfolgen möchte, steht inzwischen vor Kosten von über 1.200 bis 1.400 € pro Jahr.Das ist mehr als:Die durchschnittlichen Stromkosten einer 3-Personen-Familie ca. 1310 € Ein neues iPhone 17 Pro ca. 1299 €Der Wert von drei Trabis deines Onkels ca. drei Kästen Bier ;)Und trotzdem fühlt sich Fußball heute nicht mehr wie ein gemeinsames Kulturgut an,sondern wie ein Geschäftsmodell auf Kosten der Fans.Immer neue Abos, immer neue Paywalls, immer neue Rechnungen –während man uns erzählt, es sei „Fortschritt“.Der Fußball ist noch da.Nur der Zugang zu ihm wird jedes Jahr ein Stück teurer. Schluss mit Abo-Chaos: So behalten Fans die Kontrolle über ihre KostenNiemand verlangt kostenlosen Fußball. Aber immer mehr Fans haben genug davon, dass ihr Hobby jedes Jahr neu verpackt und teurer verkauft wird.Die gute Nachricht:Man muss dieses Spiel nicht mehr zu den Bedingungen der großen Anbieter mitspielen. Denn es entsteht gerade ein zweiter Markt – digitale Marktplätze, auf denen Abos, Guthaben und Zugänge legal weitergegeben, verglichen und flexibel genutzt werden können.So behältst du die Kontrolle:1. Geh auf einen digitalen Marktplatz, zum Beispiel: Kinguin.net 2. Suche nach dem Abo, das dich interessiert, zum Beispiel: Amazon Prime 12 Monate3. Vergleiche die Preise auf dem Marktplatz mit anderen Anbietern 4. … und sieh selbst, wie viel günstiger Abonnements auf Marktplätzen wie Kinguin wirklich sind.Du entscheidest, was ein fairer Preis ist – nicht der Konzern.
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Some announcements are important.Some are exciting.And then there is this one.Kinguin has officially adopted a penguin at the Warsaw Zoo.And not just any penguin.From today, Kowalski the penguin is our new ambassador. 👑 Ambassador reveal: KowalskiKowalski is a full Kinguin ambassador.He doesn’t stream (yet). He doesn’t tweet (for now).But:🐟 he loves fish (like every penguin with self-respect)🌊 he spends time with other penguins - because penguins are super social🖤🤍 he looks great in his tuxedo 24/7😎 he stays cool in every situation This adoption is not just symbolic. Kinguin supports Kowalski’s care and daily needs at the Warsaw Zoo. He is under the professional care of experienced keepers and together we make sure he has proper food (yes, lots of fish 🐟), a safe and comfortable place to live, and good conditions every single day.Who is the African (Cape) penguin?Kowalski is an African penguin (Spheniscus demersus).🌍 Penguins from AfricaYes, really.African penguins live near the coast of South Africa and Namibia.Not all penguins live in ice and snow.🔊 They are very loudAfrican penguins make sounds that are similar to a donkey.That’s why people sometimes call them “jackass penguins”.They use sound to talk, find each other, and stay together.🖤 Every penguin is uniqueThe black dots on a penguin’s belly are different for each one.It’s like a fingerprint. Kowalski has his own unique pattern.🐟 Fish is serious businessThey eat mostly fish, like sardines and anchovies.For penguins, fish time = best time.🏊 Water prosIn water, penguins are fast and smooth swimmers.On land… they walk funny. And that’s part of the charm.👥 Community firstAfrican penguins are very social animals.They live in groups, recognize each other, and stay close.We feel that. 🐧 A day in the life of KowalskiWhat does our ambassador do all day?swimschillshangs out with other penguinswaits for fishgets fishwaits for more fishSimple life. Good life. 💙 King's CareKinguin is more than games and digital products. We believe in community, responsibility and doing good things beyond the screen.By adopting Kowalski, we support animal care and help protect an endangered species - in a way that feels true to who we are. Welcome to the team, Kowalski!It’s official now.Kowalski the African penguin is the new Kinguin ambassador.Welcome to the family 💙
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[ALERT] — SYSTEM LOG: KINGUIN.NET DATE: 17.11.2025 STATUS: SECURITY BREACH DETECTED INTEGRITY LEVEL: COMPROMISED ⚠️⚠️ PRICE INTEGRITY COMPROMISEDOur systems are… not okay.Price files are corrupt. Discounts are spreading. Codes are leaking faster than we can patch them.Reports confirm:Amazon, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam prepaid stock exposed.Game release prices behaving violently.KING’s Pass users overriding firewalls to access classified deals. ACTIVE ZONES: BLACK WEEKSNovember 17 — December 6.The Kinguin network remains unstable.New Games Escaped ContainmentPrepaid Leaks Flooding MarketplacesFlash Sales Reload Every Few HoursKING’s Pass Users Breaking the System (legally) Every scroll could open a wormhole into -90% deals. Proceed carefully but fast!💾 SYSTEM FILES // GAME RELEASES BREACHEDThe biggest games of the year didn’t just launch - they fell straight into the glitch.Here’s what escaped the vault:Call of Duty: Black Ops 7File name: BLACKOPS_MEMORY_CORRUPT.exeDescription: Explosions. Lies. David Mason’s midlife crisis.Action: Buy before the servers remember the real price.ARC RaidersFile name: ARCRAIDERS_FREEFALL.dllStatus: Co-op chaos detected. Too many players winching trees for physics stability.Action: Recommended fix — grab for cheap and embrace the beautiful mess.Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2File name: SPACEMARINE_ULTRABRO.cogIssue: Chainsword prices dropping faster than heretics.Action: Purge full-price heresy immediately.Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate EditionFile name: PATCH_3.0_REDEMPTION.savDescription: Finally stable, finally worth it — and now, finally cheap.Action: Install before Night City notices.Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIFile name: MEDIEVAL_GLITCH.knightError log: Horses clipping into castles. Peasants rioting about discounts.Action: Grab your sword (and wallet) before the king restores order.THE PREPAID LEAKPrepaid stock has gone rogue - Amazon, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam cards are dropping with up to 90% off.Every discount turns into currency to spend elsewhere ⏰ FLASH PROTOCOLS ENGAGEDRotating “glitch windows” are now live.Deals vanish and reappear every few hours.Next event cycle: unpredictable.FIREWALL BYPASSED — KING’S PASS USERS DETECTEDKING’s Pass subscribers broke containment first.Now they rule the breach with:Up to 25% deeper discountsEarly deal accessRandom “KING’s Drops” during chaos hours🧠 SYSTEM NOTECampaign Duration: Nov 17 – Dec 6Peak Instability: Black Friday (Nov 28) // Cyber Monday (Dec 1) [TERMINAL MESSAGE: END OF TRANSMISSION] Reboot scheduled for 06.12.2025. Until then… enjoy the chaos.
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November feels big - not because of the weather, but because this is when the KING’s Pass starts showing what it’s really made of.If you already have it, you know the drill. If you don’t… well, you might want to.KING’s Pass in a nutshellKING’s Pass is for people who love games and hate overpaying.For the price of one lunch a month (2.99 EUR + tax), you unlock:KING’s Discounts - More games, less spending. Save up to 25% on over 150K+ games, prepaids, and in-game items - every deal hits harder with KING’s Pass.KING’s Gift - Free games. Every month. Get a new game or private server every month - no catches, just rewards.Pre-Order Priority - Be the first to claim pre-orders. KING’s Pass members get priority access when demand peaks.KING’s Support - A dedicated support and care just for KING’s Pass members, ready to fix anything fast so you can get back to gaming.KING’s Premium Deals - Access special offers and deals made just for KING’s Pass members. The best stuff, fitted for the kings! It’s the kind of thing that quietly saves you money while feeling like a small upgrade to your gaming life.And then there’s KING’s DropEvery week, something special happens - a major game goes live for €1.Limited keys, fast fingers, good luck.That’s the KING’s Drop: a weekly surprise where a few members walk away with huge titles for pocket change.No tricks, just timing.November line-upThis month’s drops read like a wishlist: Each drop opens for members only - so if you’re holding a pass, your November already looks good.The KING’s Pass isn’t about spending more; it’s about making every purchase feel smarter.It’s quiet, it’s simple, and it just works.The month to startNovember’s line-up is probably the best reason yet to give it a try.Even if you only join for one month, you’ll see how much further your wallet goes when you’re part of the royal circle.And if you already have the pass - keep an eye on THAT timer.Your next favorite game might be waiting in this month’s KING’s Drop.Because on Kinguin, being a king just means playing smarter 👑
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That "yes, this is it!" moment - that’s exactly the experience we want to make even smoother.Introducing Kingu 🦾 - Our AI customer chatbot, co-created with our community - with a name chosen by users, for everyone.What makes Kingu special? Pre-tested on thousands of interactions and real-life problems, so it knows what you need 📈 Goes beyond genres and categories available in standard search, helping you discover games effortlessly 🃏 Gives access to all active products on Kinguin through simple interactions 🎯 Creates tickets with automatic category assignment, so your request reaches the right team as quickly as possible 🎟️ Need to check your order status here and now? Kingu makes it instantly accessible 💳 Guides you through FAQs with step-by-step video tutorials, so you can follow along and solve issues effortlessly 🎥 Kingu is a new AI assistant designed to help you get an even better experience on Kinguin. For longtime Kinguin users, you might remember that Milo originally appeared as a little easter egg in our comics - Kingu is back with a wink just for you 😉
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The new school year is here, but don’t get sad! It’s time to celebrate and keep the fun going. Kinguin is giving away free Minecraft servers for everyone! Yes, completely free. No tricks, no hidden fees. Just your own Minecraft world to explore with friends.Why do you need a Minecraft server?A private Minecraft server is more than just a place to play. It’s your world, your rules:Build without limits – create huge castles, pixel art, or even your own city with friends.Survive together – team up in Survival Mode, fight mobs, and collect rare items.Mods & plugins – add custom features, skins, or minigames. Turn your server into a playground.Invite friends anytime – no more waiting for others. Your server is always online, ready for action. Make it a place where you and your squad hang out after school. It’s perfect if you want freedom, creativity, or just a safe spot to play with your team. And here’s the best part: Kinguin is now giving away free Minecraft servers to celebrate Back to School. It’s simple:Go to the promo page & claim your free server NOW! No payments, no credit card needed. Just pure Minecraft fun, hosted by Kinguin. Celebrate Back to School the fun wayWe know school can feel heavy after summer break. But this year, you can start it with something fun: your own Minecraft world. Play with friends, explore together, and show off your creativity. Forget the “back to school blues” - this September is all about building, exploring, and having fun for free. FAQ – Free Minecraft Server from KinguinIs the Minecraft server really free?Yes! Kinguin is giving away servers with no hidden fees. Just claim it and start playing. How long does the free server last?The server is free for the promotional period - 7 days. You can extend or upgrade later if you want, but the starting offer costs you nothing. Can I install mods on my free server?Of course! You can add mods, plugins, and custom features to make the server truly yours. Do I need special software to run it?No. Everything is hosted online. You just claim the server and log in through Minecraft as usual. Don’t miss this chance: Kinguin is giving away free Minecraft servers for everyone. Celebrate the new school year with your squad, craft epic builds, and keep the fun alive every day. 👉 Claim your free server now here and start your adventure today.
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The wait is over - KING’s Pass has arrived on Kinguin. It’s not just another subscription; it’s your ticket to cheaper games, secret deals, and a little extra thrill every week. If you’ve ever searched “where to buy cheap PC games” or “best gaming subscription 2025”, this is what you were hoping to find. What You Get With KING’s Pass 👑KING’s Pass unlocks powerful tools for every gamer:Big Discounts – Save up to 25% on thousands of games, DLCs, software, and in-game items.Free Monthly Gift – Every month, you can grab a free PC game key or even hosting for your own server.Pre-Order Priority – Get first access to the games everyone is waiting forVIP Support – Dedicated Customer support just for the KING’s Pass members.Premium Deals – Hidden offers only available to KING’s Pass. And here’s the kicker: it’s only 2.99 EUR per month. Yes, less than your coffee on the go!KING’s Drop: The Weekly Gaming RushBeing a member also means you unlock KING’s Drop - weekly events with limited stock and massive discounts.New drops every week.Limited to KING’s Pass members only.First-come, first-served - once it’s gone, it’s gone.One week it could be a cult classic, another week a fresh indie hit. Every drop is different, and every drop is exciting.Why Join Now?Save money on every purchase - the more you game, the more you save.Enjoy surprise gifts - monthly freebies keep your library growing.Get the thrill of the Drop - fast, fun, and only for members.Cancel anytime - no lock-in, no stress.KING’s Pass was made for gamers who don’t just play - they live the game. KING’s Pass makes gaming cheaper, faster, and more fun. From discounts to free games and weekly Drops, it’s a subscription built to power up your library without draining your wallet.If you’re ready to level up how you buy games, join KING’s Pass today on Kinguin.Because gaming should feel epic - not expensive.
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Summer break is over, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. At Kinguin, we’re starting the school year with big discounts on the hottest games and must-have software. Whether you want to relax after classes with your favorite titles or need tools to get work done, we’ve got your back.Top games on sale - now cheaperHere are some of the biggest hits and hidden gems you can grab with Back to School savings:EA Sports FC 25 – up to 35% offMinecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition – about 20% offHogwarts Legacy – almost 40% offRed Dead Redemption 2 – over 60% offThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt GOTY – more than 80% offBaldur’s Gate 3 – around 20% offGTA V: Premium Edition – up to 75% offElden Ring – about 30% offCyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition – around 35% off Must-Have Software DealsNot only games - start the school year with software for less:Microsoft Office 2021 Pro Plus – over 80% offWindows 11 Pro – up to 85% offESET Internet Security – almost 90% offBitdefender Total Security – around 85% offCorelDRAW Graphics Suite – up to 60% offVegas Pro 21 Edit – up to 70% offPerfect for school projects, editing, design, or just keeping your laptop safe. Contest: Too Cool For SchoolJoin our “Too Cool For School” contest and get the chance to win: 🎮 3x Cooler Master gaming chairs🖥️ 10x iiyama monitors💳 30x Kinguin vouchers worth €75 eachJust play and join - it’s that simple. Cashback is KingAnd here’s another way to save more: with our Cashback is King promo, you can get up to €10 cashback for your next shopping. The more you play and buy, the more you save. Don’t miss this chance to stack deals and come back for even cheaper games. Free Minecraft ServerHere’s something extra for the community: every player can grab a free Minecraft server to play with friends. Build your own world, install mods, and enjoy smooth gameplay for free. Find out more here. This September, make your Back to School season legendary. Save up to 90% on games and software, join our contest, claim cashback for even more savings, and don’t forget to start your free Minecraft server with friends. Only at Kinguin.
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Welcome to the Kinguin Summer Fun Arcade - your ultimate digital amusement park! We've opened the gates, fired up the pixel-powered popcorn machines, and rolled out a rollercoaster of sweet summer deals. Forget the heatwaves and mosquito bites. This summer, the only thing you’ll be sweating over is what game to play next 💦 Let’s explore the most exciting attractions in the park - your summer starts now! The Sims 4 – Poolside Splash Kit DLCReady to throw the ultimate backyard bash? This DLC is a mini-expansion for The Sims 4 that adds stylish swimsuits, colorful floaties, and even a flamingo sprinkler. Perfect if you love to micromanage fictional humans and their pool parties.Paradise Beach SimulatorA peaceful beach, relaxing waves, and zero responsibilities. Build your own resort, design chill zones, and pretend you’re the world's best beach manager. Think Sims meets island chill vibes.PowerWash SimulatorThere’s dirt. There’s grime. And then, there’s you - the power-washing savior with a hose and a dream. From grimy playgrounds to haunted houses (yes, there are themed DLCs), this game turns cleaning into pure joy.Dave the DiverHalf deep-sea diver, half sushi restaurant manager, Dave the Diver is like Stardew Valley got lost in the ocean and brought back a tuna. Funny, quirky, and packed with unexpected twists, you’ll never look at sea cucumbers the same.DorfromantikThis is your zen zone. Build forests, lakes, and cute towns by placing relaxing tiles. No pressure. No enemies. Just peaceful puzzle-building with expansions like The Game Mode Update and Seasons DLC for extra vibes.Pool Cleaning SimulatorFrom gross to glossy, this sim lets you scrub, vacuum, and purify fancy pools and backyard messes. Oddly satisfying and way less sweaty than doing it IRL.Forza Horizon 5Take on open-world Mexico in this gorgeous, high-speed racer. With events from volcano races to beach drag strips and DLCs like Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure, this game is summer freedom in a sports car.ISLANDERSSimple. Beautiful. Addictive. Build peaceful little cities on colorful islands and watch the points stack up. ISLANDERS is low-pressure strategy that rewards your creativity - perfect for lazy summer evenings.ABZÛFrom the art director of Journey and Flower, ABZÛ is an underwater exploration game that feels like a playable dream. Swim with whales, explore ruins, and discover a mysterious world without a single weapon in sight.Planet CoasterMake the coaster of your dreams… or nightmares. Build entire theme parks, bankrupt yourself with bad food pricing, and watch guests puke on your cursed loop-de-loop. DLCs? Tons - including Ghostbusters, Spooky, Vintage, and more. 🎟️ Explore the Full Kinguin Summer Sale!The Kinguin Summer Sale is way bigger than just one arcade. We’ve built a whole theme park of deals, and you’ve got an all-access wristband:HypeRide Zone: High-speed action, top AAA titles, adrenaline maxedArcade of Classics: Retro hits, pixel power, golden-age nostalgiaSun & Fun Arcade: Summer-themed sims and easygoing gamesThe Co-Op Coaster: Multiplayer fun with friendsThe Haunted House: Scary-good horror & mystery discountsWith up to -92% off, the only thing scarier than missing this is your gaming backlog!👉 Explore all rides & deals here Bonus Round: Get up to 5€ Cashback with Picodi!Yes, you heard it right - on top of sizzling discounts, you can also earn money back. With Picodi Cashback, you’ll get up to 5€ back on your Kinguin purchases. 👉 Learn more & start earning cashback HERE.
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Stop the presses. Pause your game. The Queen is here.We’re beyond excited to announce that Joanna Jędrzejczyk, MMA legend and hardcore gamer, is joining forces with Kinguin as our brand ambassador.She’s fierce. She’s fast. She’s fearless.She’s everything we believe a gamer, and a Kinguin community member should be.And now, she’s our Queen. 👑 Who is Joanna Jędrzejczyk? If you don’t know Joanna Jędrzejczyk, you’re about to.If you do know her - you’re probably already hyped.Joanna is:Former UFC Strawweight ChampionMulti-time Muay Thai & MMA world championOne of the most respected Polish athletes ever🎮 A true fighter who loves to compete and connectWhether she’s dominating in the octagon or online, Joanna knows what it takes to win and more importantly, how to have fun doing it.Why Joanna x Kinguin? Because the Kingdom Needs a Queen 👑You already know our campaign: Think Like a KING.It’s not just about games - it’s about how you live:Think boldMove fastStay sharpHave funBut here’s the thing: Every Kingdom needs a Queen.And Joanna Jędrzejczyk is the perfect fit. She’s a fighter, a gamer, a leader, and an icon. She embodies everything Kinguin stands for - passion, energy, and community.With Joanna on board, we’re taking Think Like a KING to the next level:👉 Think Like a KING. Fight Like a QUEEN. What’s Coming: Big Things with Joanna & KinguinThis isn’t a one-off announcement.This is the start of a royal journey for the entire Kinguin community.Here’s what to expect: Exclusive video content and behind-the-scenes fun with Joanna Gaming streams with the Queen herself Limited-edition giveaways and special promotions Candid interviews and community Q&A A fresh new face for our Think Like a KING campaign - now with serious Queen energy Ready to Rule? 🐧👑Gaming is about more than just winning. It’s about thinking big, moving fast, and having fun with your crew.With Joanna Jędrzejczyk as our new Kinguin ambassador, we’re here to remind the world:👉 Anyone can be a King or Queen in the Kingdom of Gaming.So join us. Celebrate with us. Game with us.Because the best part? The Queen’s just getting started.👉 Watch the official trailer here.
Read moreMore and more people are buying game accounts, and there are good reasons for this trend. As popular games, especially big titles, keep getting more expensive, it can be tough to buy the latest games without spending too much money. With so many great games available, many players want a cost-effective way to enjoy them. First, players tried buying CD keys, then gifts, and now many are choosing to buy accounts. This change can really help you access lots of games without spending a lot, allowing you to play more without hurting your wallet. Buying Accounts - A Smart and Affordable ChoiceLet’s be honest - gaming can get really expensive, especially with all the new games trying to take your money. That’s why more gamers are looking for cheaper options, and buying accounts is becoming a popular choice. These accounts usually cost much less than buying games at full price, giving you a great chance to get the games you want without spending too much.The way it works? Many games are bought from regions where prices are much lower, and this doesn’t stop you from playing. You can enjoy your favorite games no matter where you are. While some people might hesitate to use different accounts for certain games, many gamers are happy to purchase a separate, new account just to save money. In today’s gaming world, saving money is important, and many players are willing to give up some things, like achievements on their main accounts (like on Steam), to play their favorite games without spending a lot. Addressing Your Concerns: Account Safety and OwnershipWe understand that many people have their doubts about buying accounts, which can make them unsure about it. One common concern is that multiple people might share the same account, but that’s not how it works here. At Kinguin, we have strict rules to make sure only one person can use each account. When you buy an account from us, you become the full owner, giving you complete control. We even encourage you to make it your own by changing the email, updating the login and password, and setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.Another concern is about hacked or stolen accounts, which is understandable given the issues in gaming today. But you can feel safe with us! All the accounts we sell are brand new – they are created just for sale at Kinguin and have never been used by anyone else. You’ll have a fresh start without any problems from past users.Account bans are also a big concern for many players. However, if you follow the simple rules in the product description, your account will stay safe. Some important guidelines to remember are: don’t add your own payment methods, avoid changing the region, don’t make any purchases, and use the account only to access the game you want to play instead of treating it as your main account. This way, you can enjoy your favorite games without worrying too much about the cost.If you run into any issues with your purchased account, you can always reach out to the seller or contact our helpful customer support team. Our sellers know that accounts can be tricky, and they will try their best to fix any problems. Plus, our customer support staff is trained to help with account issues, so you can count on them to assist you quickly.Check out Game Accounts at Kinguin here. Unlock Exclusive Access: Accounts as Your Way to Hard-to-Find GamesIn the gaming world, not all games can be bought with regular digital keys. For some popular titles, the only way to get them is by buying an account. This option is great for players who want to enjoy exciting games without spending too much money. This is especially true for Early Access games on Steam, where players might be hesitant to pay full price for games that are still being developed and might not be fully finished in the near future. Buying an account allows you to play these games for a much lower cost, giving you a chance to enjoy new content. Accounts really offer a smart way to access these games and discover the future of gaming without hurting your wallet! Why Buying Accounts Might Be the Right Choice for YouAs game prices, especially for popular AAA titles, keep going up, buying accounts has become a smart and budget-friendly option for players. Accounts usually cost much less than buying games at full price, making them an affordable way to access games, including those hard-to-find titles that can only be bought this way. Early Access games on platforms like Steam are a great example, where accounts let you try new content without paying full price for games that are still being developed.We know there are concerns about buying accounts - many players worry about sharing access or that accounts might get hacked or stolen. However, these fears are not true here, as our accounts are brand new and belong only to you once you buy them. If you follow our simple usage guidelines, you can enjoy your gaming without worrying about account bans or losing access.In the end, accounts are the next step to making gaming more affordable for everyone. Just like CD keys had their doubts before becoming common, accounts are heading down a similar path. Soon, players will look back and hardly remember the worries about buying accounts, appreciating how they opened up a more accessible gaming experience. Check out Game Accounts at Kinguin here.
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Gamers, it’s time to refresh your library with some blooming good deals! Kinguin is bringing you Buy Like a KING, a spring-loaded sale where you can grab your favorite games, software, and more at royally low prices.🌼 What’s the deal?From now until March 23, 2025, you can save up to 74% on a massive range of digital goodies. Yes, you read that right - huge discounts up to -74% are already applied across tons of products! And because we love making deals even sweeter... 🌷 Bonus: Extra 10% Off!Use the special code SPRINGDEALS at checkout and get an extra 10% off ALL promo items! That’s right, discounts are already massive, but we’re giving you even more savings on top. Stack those deals and grab your favorites before they’re gone!🐔 Cluck & LoadCounter-Strike 2 fans, this one's for you! The Cluck & Load promo brings you crazy discount on CS2 products. Enjoy an extra 8% off with the code SPRINGCS2.Click here to learn more.🐣 Pssst… A Surprise for CS2 Players!The chickens on our Discord have been clucking about something BIG… and let’s just say, you don’t want to miss it. Could it be a huge giveaway? Maybe. Could it be your chance to score something awesome? Definitely. Hop into our X (ex Twitter) and find out! Just like spring flowers, these discounts won’t last forever. Don’t wait too long - head over to Kinguin Spring Sale now and shop like the KING you are! 👑
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Spring is here! The days are getting longer, the air smells fresh, and nature is waking up. It’s the perfect time to dive into games that capture that warm, cozy, and refreshing springtime feeling. Whether you want to grow a garden, explore beautiful landscapes, or just relax with some wholesome adventures, these games will bring the magic of spring straight to your screen!Stardew Valley 🌾Nothing says spring like planting your first crops and watching them grow! In Stardew Valley, you can build the farm of your dreams, befriend adorable villagers, and take in the peaceful beauty of nature. There’s something special about waking up to birds chirping, picking fresh strawberries, and feeling the seasons change around you.A Short Hike 🏞️Spring is all about adventure, and A Short Hike captures that perfectly. You play as a little bird exploring a peaceful island full of hidden treasures, friendly animals, and stunning views. It’s a game that encourages you to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy the simple joys of wandering through nature.Animal Crossing: New Horizons 🌼If real-life spring cleaning sounds like too much work, why not do it in Animal Crossing instead? Shake off the winter blues by decorating your island, planting colorful flowers, and enjoying seasonal events like Bunny Day. With cherry blossoms drifting through the air, it’s the perfect virtual spring getaway.Unpacking 📦Spring is all about new beginnings, and Unpacking is the most relaxing way to experience that. This beautifully simple game lets you unpack boxes and organize a cozy living space while telling a touching story through objects. It’s satisfying, calming, and has that wonderful feeling of starting fresh.The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 🌿Spring is all about nature coming back to life, and there’s no better game to capture that feeling than Breath of the Wild. From rolling green hills to blooming wildflowers, this game’s open world is full of breathtaking sights that make every adventure feel like a peaceful spring morning.Disney Dreamlight Valley ✨Spring is all about color, warmth, and happiness, and that’s exactly what Disney Dreamlight Valley offers. You can garden, cook fresh meals, and decorate your village with bright, cheerful designs. Plus, who wouldn’t want to spend springtime hanging out with Disney characters?Flower 💐If you want a game that feels like spring, Flower is a must-play. You control the wind, guiding flower petals through stunning fields and landscapes, spreading beauty everywhere you go. It’s simple, peaceful, and the perfect way to relax and enjoy the season.Pikmin 4 🍃Spring is full of new life, and Pikmin 4 lets you experience the season from a whole new perspective. Lead your adorable Pikmin through lush gardens, solve puzzles, and discover the beauty of the tiny world around you. It’s cute, colorful, and bursting with spring energy!Alba: A Wildlife Adventure 🐦Spring is all about reconnecting with nature, and Alba: A Wildlife Adventure lets you do just that. You play as a young girl exploring a beautiful Mediterranean island, rescuing animals, and helping the environment. It’s wholesome, heartwarming, and filled with that fresh, hopeful energy of springtime.Cozy Grove 🌷Cozy Grove brings a charming mix of warmth and mystery, perfect for those slow spring days. As a Spirit Scout, you help friendly ghosts bring color back to their island, watching as the world around you blooms into life. It’s like taking a peaceful camping trip - full of surprises but always comforting.Let the Springtime Gaming Begin! 🌞Spring is a season of renewal, warmth, and new adventures, and these games capture that feeling perfectly. Whether you’re planting crops, exploring nature, or just soaking in the cozy vibes, there’s something here for everyone.
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Gamescom 2024 has just finished, and wow, what a show! This year’s event was bursting with big reveals, exciting trailers, and plenty of surprises. Whether you’re into epic RPGs, intense shooters, or quirky indie games, there was something for everyone. Let’s dive into the biggest announcements and the most buzzworthy moments from this year’s Gamescom. 🐟🐟🐟 Don’t forget to check out Kinguin’s Market with fresh deals & news from the Gamescom 2024. 🐟🐟🐟 Major Game RevealsCivilization VII: One of the big showstoppers at Gamescom was Civilization VII. The teaser was brief but got strategy fans excited, teasing deeper gameplay and bigger worlds to explore. The game is set for release on February 11, 2025, and it's already shaping up to be a must-play for fans of the series.Check out Civilization series here. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: If you’re a fan of shooters, then you were probably thrilled to see more of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Set during the Cold War era, the game promises a return to a full campaign mode, which fans have been eagerly awaiting. The release date is October 25, 2024, so get ready to gear up. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Microsoft gave us a new look at Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The short trailer was enough to remind everyone why they’re excited about this game, which is set to launch in December 2024. Get ready for another adventure with everyone's favorite archaeologist! Mafia: The Old Country: The Mafia series is making a comeback with Mafia: The Old Country. Set in the early 1900s, this prequel takes us back to the origins of the mafia. The announcement didn’t give much away, but it’s clear that this game is going to be a deep dive into the gritty world of organized crime. Starfield - Shattered Space Expansion: Bethesda didn’t disappoint, revealing the first major expansion for Starfield, titled "Shattered Space." Set to launch on September 30, 2024, this expansion will introduce new storylines and locations, expanding the already massive universe of Starfield. Marvel Rivals: Marvel Rivals was another big reveal. This free-to-play multiplayer shooter features iconic characters like Captain America and Dr. Doom. The game is set to launch on December 6, 2024, and promises to be a hit with Marvel fans. Dune: Awakening: Fans of the Dune series got a treat with a new trailer for Dune: Awakening. The game’s survival elements and harsh desert environment were front and center, showing just how challenging life on Arrakis will be. Expect to see this game in early 2025. Batman: Arkham Shadow VR: For Batman fans, the announcement of Batman: Arkham Shadow VR was a highlight. This Meta Quest 3-exclusive VR game lets players step into the boots of Batman in a whole new way, with the demo receiving positive feedback at the event. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 made waves with its first gameplay trailer, showing off the medieval world and complex story that made the original game a hit. The game is set to launch on February 11, 2025, promising more of the same challenging, realistic gameplay.Check out Kingdom Come: Deliverance here.Surprise Announcements and Fun Moments Dying Light: The Beast: Techland unveiled Dying Light: The Beast, a new standalone game in the Dying Light universe. The game stars Kyle Crane, who now wields zombie powers in a bleak, post-apocalyptic world. No release date yet, but the first look has already intrigued fans. Goat Simulator Remastered: Yep, you read that right. The original Goat Simulator is getting a remaster. Expect upgraded visuals, bug fixes, and all the original DLC in one chaotic package, set to release later this year. Borderlands 4: The event kicked off with a bang thanks to the reveal of Borderlands 4. The game is set to launch in 2025, and while details are still under wraps, the trailer alone has fans counting down the days. Masters of Albion: Peter Molyneux, the creator of Fable, surprised everyone with the announcement of Masters of Albion. This new god game has players eager to see if it can live up to Molyneux’s previous successes. Secret Level Anthology: Amazon MGM Studios and Blur Studio are teaming up for a new animated anthology called Secret Level, which dives into the world of video games. This was one of the more unexpected but exciting announcements of the event. Gamescom 2024 was packed with exciting reveals, from long-awaited sequels to surprising new titles. Whether you’re into strategy, shooters, or horror, there’s something coming your way that’s sure to grab your attention. With so many big games on the horizon, the next few years in gaming are looking pretty epic. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as these games get closer to release!
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Jenna Ortega is back on the set of Wednesday! The Netflix hit series will return for its second season in 2025, but the cast and crew have already heard: sound, camera, action somewhere on location in Ireland.Wednesday 2 CastCatherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán reprise their roles as Morticia and Gomez Addams, Fred Armisen will have more appearances as Uncle Fester and to complete the Addams Family we shall see Victor Dorobantu as Thing… Well, at least the “handy” part of him. Emma Myers (Enid Sinclair), Joy Sunday (Bianca Barclay) and Moosa Mostafa (Eugene) are back on the set as well and they will be joined by some new – yet well known – faces like: Thandiwe Newton, Joanna Lumley, Christopher Lloyd, Steve Buscemi, Haley Joel Osment, Billie Piper, Heather Matarazzo and Evie Templeton (whom you may know from Return to Silent Hill).Wednesday: Season 2 | Cast Reveal | NetflixThe Legend Is Back To Direct AgainLegendary director Tim Burton continues his journey with Wednesday in the series’ second season, which we believe is a guarantee that our expectations can be very high. Burton is responsible for 1989’s Batman with Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson and Kim Basinger, Batman Returns (1992), Beetlejuice (1988), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Sleepy Hollow (1999) and Alice In Wonderland (2010), among others.Wednesday’s JamAs for now it is not known what musical surprises are going to make us move our hands, feet and the rest of our bodies in Wednesday season 2, but before we find out, let’s relive that famous dancing scene from the first season, which made The Cramps hip again all over platforms such as Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, YouTube, and Apple Music.Wednesday Addams | Dance Scene | NetflixCheck out all the awesome series and movies Netflix has to offer with the best online Netflix deals only on Kinguin!
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First and foremost he is a computer games enthusiast and streamer. Dawid Rzeźnik, better known as Dzinold, is one of Kinguin's Ambassadors and, as he describes himself, a Renaissance man. Outside virtual reality, he is a big fan of the NBA and anything connected with basketball. Of course he plays basketball himself and he even is a friend of a famous Polish player Marcin Gortat. Apart from that, Dzinold has also experience as a Fame MMA fighter.MrDzinold @ TwitchDawid was born in 1997 in the city of Tarnobrzeg in Poland. In 2020 he launched his channel on Twitch.TV and within the next two years attracted nearly 200K followers, becoming one of the most popular streamers on the platform. Two years later @MrDzinold is followed by 573K viewers, who appreciate his unique sense of humor and down-to-earth approach. His favourite games include: CS:GO, GTA 5, Fortnite, Fall Guys and FIFA – and as he plays during his Twitch streams, he is usually watched by around five thousand people at once. On Twitch.TV Dzinold is also a member of a YFL team, which features Young Multi, Merghani, Mork and Bandura.BungeeTogether with his Twitch pal Bandura, Dzinold created a YouTube channel called Bungee (@bungee5125), where they entertain their viewers with unusual and funny tasks they assign to themselves. Over 1,15 million followers seem to confirm their success also on this platform. In addition to that Dzinold has his solo YT project – @dzinishoty4934 with 83,3 thousand followers. You can also check him on Instagram (@mrdzinold), where he gives over 741 thousand fans more access to his private life.Fame MMAAs Dzinold conquered Twitch in 2022, he also made his debut on the Polish edition of Fame MMA and won the very first fight against Szymon Bessser. In May 2023 he repeated this success by defeating Robert Pasut, and thus became a rising star in Fame MMA with a promising undefeated record of 2-0.KinguinMuch as we appreciate Dzinold's achievements on Twitch, YouTube and in Fame MMA, it's his personality, sense of humor and most of all positive energy that made him and Kinguin a perfect match! And let's not forget about his love of Counter Strike, which – and that's no secret – is also close to our hearts. We are very happy he accepted our invitation to represent Kinguin as an official Ambassador and to spread positive vibes both him and us want to share with you! Find out more about Dzinold:https://anarchia.gg/https://www.tiktok.com/@anarchia_x_bungeehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087467033102
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The world is constantly evolving. The same can be said for technology, which brings new solutions every day. Sometimes better, sometimes worse, but there is no stagnation, like during the covid-19 pandemic. This development also applies to ourselves. Nowadays, we focus on convenience, and this is largely important to us. Also in terms of payments. How does today's market look like in terms of financing methods for products in the technology, gaming and lifestyle sectors? Kinguin always meets the expectations of its customers, that's why you will find here all forms of payment for the games or software you are interested in, the way you like it, the way it is convenient for you and above all, safe.Kinguin is a sales platform that offers not only the latest game titles, but also many software and digital licenses that you use every day. Since its inception in 2013, it has been a place created primarily out of passion for a wide range of software. Over time, Kinguin has changed and today we can say with full responsibility that not only will you find unbeatable prices here, but also a fully secure transaction system that you can choose according to your preferences. By observing our platform, we know what our customers choose most often when choosing a payment method.PayPal has been leading the way for many years.It can be safely said that PayPal dominates on Kinguin.net. Our platform records 55% of all transactions with it. Why is that? Certainly because of its ease of use. This method works basically like an online wallet. We can keep savings in it, funds to settle small payments, or recurring subscription fees. A huge advantage that Kinguin customers are guided by is the fact that PayPal is completely free. What's more? The user-friendly interface and intuitive design make PayPal a favorite for online payments. Its speed, simplicity, and ease of use are widely praised. Additionally, the method is very well secured and available in most countries around the world. For payments for games, licenses or work software - a quick and good solution. The only requirements that we have to meet are to reach the age of majority and, of course, to deposit money into our account in order to be able to use it without any problems.Pay With A Credit Card While we've focused on newer payment technologies, some prefer the traditional route of credit, debit, and prepaid cards via Visa and Mastercard. According to Kinguin statistics, these methods account for 18% of all transactions. The most popular cards we use all over the world are still American Express, Mastercard, and Visa. According to 2023 statistics, Visa dominates in this area. This is the card we pay with in 123 countries. What's next? American Express is in second place in this ranking. This card is the most popular in 23 countries. Of course, in the USA and also in Great Britain. The last place belongs to Mastercard. The result is really impressive, because the popularity of this card reaches 22 countries. For example, Mastercard is a monopoly in Canada and Australia.How does it look around the world?It is said that every country has its own customs, so let's take a look at what dominates Kinguin in terms of payment methods and security by region. There's no denying that the aforementioned PayPal is a monopolist in this area, but not everyone uses the same solution. Nevertheless, the biggest players using PayPal are North America, Africa, Australia and Oceania. What's next?For example, in Poland, the Blik payment method has become the most popular. It works very quickly and can be said to replace traditional bank transfers, as payments are made directly from registered phone numbers to a given bank account. All you need is a code that appears in the mobile application of a Polish bank. A local solution, but quite groundbreaking, and recognized worldwide as innovative.Not far from Poland, in Belgium, for example, Bancontact Mister Cash is used, which works very similarly to the Polish Blik. When shopping online, you select the "Bancontact" option. You enter your login details, authorize and that's it. Simple and secure, because it is fully authorized by us.One of the most popular payment methods in Germany is Klarna, as those users still prefer to connect and pay via local banks. An interesting fact is that Klarna gives consumers a lot of leeway. This payment method allows you to pay for a product up to 30 days after purchase. This means that after receiving the package, you can carefully check if everything is correct. The payment deadline can be extended. In some cases, it is also completely free.In the Netherlands, residents choose IDEAL. This is no surprise, as it works almost identically to the Belgian Mister Cash or the Polish Blik. All of these methods have their own security features in the form of authorization.Staying in Europe, let's talk about a country where tapas can be found on every street corner, which is Spain. In this country, the most popular payment method is PaySafeCard. How does it work? Essentially, you can summarize it by saying it's a prepaid card. You top up the card with a certain amount of money and can then use it for various online transactions, including on the Kinguin marketplace. It's akin to topping up a mobile phone. It works almost identically. The key thing to remember is that the card will only work for the specific prepaid amount loaded onto it. For example, if you have loaded the card with 50$, you cannot purchase something priced at 51$.Asia, on the other hand, assumes that WeChat Pay is the best option for them. Interestingly, WeChat is a messenger, but it is so developed that it also offers a payment method. This solution is based on scanning a QR code and then authorizing the payment to the seller.Traveling further around the world, we can come across a payment called PIX. It is the best-known payment method in Brazil. How does it work? It is an instant payment. Security matters are managed by the Central Bank of Brazil. It is the monetary authority that has full control over this issue. This has reduced the number of cash transactions. The offer quickly became a popular alternative for Brazilians. Interestingly, the idea itself has only been around there for a short time, since November 2020.Interesting fact: some mobile operators also offer mobile payments. For example, we can buy a game on Kinguin and the amount of the purchased title can be paid in the form of payment at the next billing period. The amount will be added to the invoice, users can enjoy very similar experience on repayment like credit cardsChoice is power. You should feel comfortable, and Kinguin ensures that!Kinguin offers you a wide range of payment methods. Our services are already used by over 18 million users, which makes us very happy! We prioritize your comfort and security. We are flexible and ready to help you choose the best option for you. You can choose from nearly 200 payment methods. Our marketplace offers a huge range of digital programs and games. How does it work? What is the distribution of codes on Kinguin? You will find all the answers in our latest article.Summary Bringing it all together, technology is developing at an incredible pace, and we need to be ready for new solutions. Trade has also changed. It has moved online, and payments for digital products leave many questions, but also many possibilities. Kinguin offers a lot of payment options that will be in line with your region, but also with your preferences. We are committed to ensuring that everyone who shops on Kinguin is satisfied and feels good. Most importantly, we do not limit you based on where you are from. We come to you so that you can enjoy a new game, software or license every day. Jump on the Kinguin platform and let's create a cool community together!
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Last year we celebrated our first decade with you, and what a decade it was! Now we have another wonderful reason to celebrate – this time it is the newest milestone in our history, namely the number of Kingun's registered users reaching 18 million. And when we say OUR we mean both YOU and us. Quoting U2 and Janet Jackson: it's all because of you and it's all for you!Dear UsersFirst and foremost, we want to thank you for choosing us and staying with Kinguin's community. Your presence motivates us to work harder in order to provide you with the best offer you can find surfing the Internet ocean. Your trust means the world to us and so, we want to give back to you even more!Safe And Sound At KinguinWe are perfectly aware that the Internet is not always safe and friendly, that is why we make sure that Kinguin is your online safe haven, where you can get what you need not only at the best prices but also without worrying about the safety of the transaction. It remains one of our highest priorities, so you can simply focus on what to choose from Kinguin's 100 thousand available products and 250 thousand offers.We Are The WorldAppealing to the global community of gamers and general software users makes us very proud. 70% of you come from Europe, with Germany constituting 16% of the user base on the Old Continent. 18% of you live in the USA and Canada and 5% in South America.More StatisticsWe work our best to assure a varied offer for all age groups, and it strikes a chord mostly with users below 24 years old, who constitute 44% of Kinguin's community. Respectively, 27% of you are between 25 and 34 while the remaining 29% belong to the 35+ category. Language-wise 36% of you prefer English, 16% – German and 12% – Polish. We are also very happy and proud that the percentage of our female users is constantly growing, and girls currently constitute more than 20% of our community.So Far, So GoodOver the course of the last 11 years we have been engaged in numerous exciting projects like: esport Team Kinguin, Esports Performance Center, Kinguin Esports Lounge, Kinguin Cares, NFT marketplace in cooperation with Immutable X, Kinguin Legends tournament just to name a few. These endeavors were mostly our expression of gratitude, aimed at giving back to our community.It is good to look back and appreciate what has been accomplished, however, we are most excited about what is ahead of us! The next project that has a very special place in our hearts is called Sneak Out and it is Kinguin's first original game that we are going to release in June 2024. There is much more, so let's continue this fascinating journey to explore even more games as well as software and discover what Kinguin is going to surprise you with in the future. Cheers!
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Warsaw, Poland – 04.04.2024 - Kinguin, a leading name in the esports industry, announces the closure of activities at the Kinguin Esports Performance Center (EPC) located in Warsaw. Effective May 2024, operations at the EPC will come to a halt due to the conclusion of the lease agreement with our current partner and the relocation of Kinguin's Warsaw office.Since its grand opening in 2019, the Kinguin Esports Performance Center has established itself as a leading facility in the esports community. Hosting over 300 bootcamps since inception, including 115 in 2023 alone, the center has consistently provided invaluable training opportunities to teams from across the globe.Join our CEO and Kinguin founder in a heartfelt video on YouTube: Welcoming the EliteThe EPC has proudly welcomed some of the biggest names in esports, including Natus Vincere, Imperial, FaZe Clan, Fnatic, MIBR, TSM, Complexity, MOUZ, Team Secret, Tundra Esports, OG, beastcoast, Monte, 9INE, Nigma Galaxy, B8, Betclic Apogee, NOM Esports, Acend, Falcons, Grayhound, FURIA, M80, Bad News Eagles, Nouns, Team 500, Passion UA, Into The Breach, and the Polish eFUTBOL team under the Polish Football Association.Supporting Ukrainian TalentAdditionally, it's worth noting that the Kinguin Esports Performance Center has been open free of charge for any Ukrainian pro-players and their families. In 2022, we hosted over 30 people from Ukraine, providing them with access to top-notch facilities and resources to enhance their skills and opportunities in the esports realm.A Commitment to the Future“While we are halting activities at the Warsaw center, we are committed to supporting esports not only in our region but globally. Our dedication to the growth and development of esports remains unwavering, and we are actively seeking new opportunities to continue this mission. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the players, partners, and supporters who have contributed to the success of the Kinguin Esports Performance Center in Warsaw. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to stay connected with us for future updates.” said Viktor Romaniuk, founder of Kinguin Esports Performance Center. For further inquiries or information, please contact epc@kinguin.net.Let's stay in touch.
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In times when it's easy to get hustled, everyone has probably asked themselves the question posed in the title. Gaming is an industry that's developing real quick, but unfortunately there's no shortage of scammers in this area either. We'll always repeat "Use a trusted source." Is Kinguin safe? In this text, we'll answer this question, showing how much we value the safety of players.What is Kinguin? Get to know us better!Kinguin is a global gaming hub where anyone can buy and sell! Vendors from all over the world can join Kinguin to feature their items, which you, your folks, or your buddies can buy. We say this because our services are already used by 17 million customers around the world. Kinguin works very similarly to well-known platforms like eBay or Amazon. Distributors also list their products there. You don't have to worry about the origin. Kinguin constantly verifies sellers with the well-being of gamers in mind.How do we verify distributors?We know security and trust are your top priorities. That's why every seller who wants to sling games on Kinguin has to jump through a vetting process. We dig deep – documents, company history, customer reviews. We only give the green light to sellers who pass with flying colors. We make sure our sellers in every country play by the rules, following all the regulations for game distribution and taxes. We stay on top of the latest laws and adapt to any changes to keep things smooth and secure for you.What are the keys that you buy?These are digital products that distributors purchase in bulk from publishers and developers. By doing so, they negotiate prices, which allow you to buy keys much cheaper on Kinguin. If you would like to fully understand the distribution process of game keys, read our article about it. What are people saying about us?We have a really good reputation online. Trustpilot, an open review platform, has awarded Kinguin a rating of 4.1/5, based on nearly 60,000 reviews. We are delighted that we can boast such a high level of trust! In comparison, eBay has a rating of just 1.3/5 on the same platform. Kinguin has also been featured in independent industry publications such as Citizens Journal, All Tech Buzz and SoftoCoupon. Each of these publications emphasizes that Kinguin is a safe source from which to buy games without any worries. Why isn't my Kinguin key working?Key not working? No problem! Double-check the code first. If it's still giving you trouble, our customer service team is just a click away on our website. They'll be happy to help! Do this through the official Kinguin website. We will thoroughly investigate the matter and get back to you shortly. Your code will be exchanged for a new one or we will refund the full amount you spent. We are talking about this because we want to be completely open. We have no secrets. The situation described above is actually an extremely rare case. The purchase of our products that do not work is only 0.4% of all transactions in 2022.We work with your gaming heroes!Kinguin is not just made by gamers, for gamers. We're also proud to partner with a variety of influencers who share our passion for quality service, professional customer support, and affordable games. Our gaming influencer ambassadors include Edizderbreite, GamingGuidesDE, Dzinold, Simurgh, HeatoN, Blue and Queenie. Be sure to check out the streams and social media channels of our ambassadors, as they often have discount codes for games that you can use on Kinguin!Any questions?Kinguin support is just a click away! Say hello to Milo, our helpful ChatBot, which can be found on the bottom of our website - www.kinguin.net. Whether you have a quick question or a complex problem, Milo can help. He'll either answer you directly or get you connected with the right agent to solve your issue. Don't be shy - we're here to make your Kinguin experience awesome!So is Kinguin a safe place to buy digital keys?Enter the world of Kinguin, where unforgettable gaming adventures await you! You will find games for every budget and platform, all in a safe and friendly environment. Join a community of over 17 million players and discover new dimensions of entertainment! We don't mess around with your privacy – legal protections are our middle name. Plus, glowing reviews from gaming giants and the press keep us fueled to constantly improve your experience. Encountered a problem with Kinguin? Our dedicated customer support team is your trusty companion, always ready to lend a hand. We want your gaming journey to be smooth sailing, so don't hesitate to call for backup! So the answer is Yes, Kinguin is a safe place to buy digital products. We deliver a secure marketplace with unbeatable prices, all backed by a team that champions you. So, why wait? Join the millions of gamers who've chosen Kinguin as their ultimate gaming ally!
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In the dynamic landscape of online gaming, where transactions happen at lightning speed, combating fraud can be a significant challenge. However, Kinguin, a leading digital marketplace for gamers, has emerged as a pioneer in fraud prevention, boasting one of the lowest fraud rates in the industry. We sat down with Egemen Ertop, Head of Risk & Fraud Intelligence at Kinguin, to delve into their innovative strategies and remarkable success story.Overview of Kinguin's ApproachEgemen reveals that Kinguin has undergone a transformative shift in its approach to fraud detection and risk intelligence over the past two years. Moving away from reactive, rule-based methods, they've embraced behavior-based strategies, automation, and machine learning. Every decision is data-driven, minimizing customer friction while maximizing the effectiveness of manual reviews.Strategies and TechnologiesKinguin's success is not accidental. Egemen highlights the focus on optimizing existing tools and operations without incurring additional costs. Despite a surge in industry-wide fraud, Kinguin has significantly lowered fraud rate by a staggering 87% since mid-2022, a testament to proactive measures and cutting-edge technologies. Remaining alert to changing fraud trends is crucial. Egemen emphasizes Kinguin's proactive stance and the importance of seamless communication within the team to stay one step ahead of fraudsters.Role of Data Analysis and Machine Learning in User ExperienceData analysis and machine learning are fundamental to Kinguin's fraud prevention efforts. Egemen stresses the importance of verifying hypotheses and leveraging AI to handle the bulk of traffic, allowing experts to focus on critical decision-making.Kinguin adopts a customer-centric approach, minimizing friction unless there's substantial evidence of fraudulent activity. This mindset shift, albeit challenging, has proven effective in maintaining a seamless user experience.Collaboration and CommunicationEffective collaboration with industry partners, regulatory bodies, and payment service providers is pivotal in enhancing fraud prevention practices. Egemen underscores the significance of constant communication and transparency. Kinguin has been partnering with Ravelin since 2020. However, initial optimization issues and a lack of focus on future vision hindered the tool's performance. Upon assuming leadership of the team in 2022, Egemen prioritized optimizing the tool, recognizing its potential despite underutilization. After several months of dedicated effort, significant improvements were achieved. This success underscores the collaborative effort between Kinguin and its partners, demonstrating the proactive approach taken to enhance fraud prevention measures. Additionally, Kinguin emphasizes automation, particularly in ID verification processes, to streamline customer experience and minimize friction.Educating UsersWhile Kinguin prioritizes customer awareness, Egemen acknowledges the industry-wide lack of fraud education. Despite proactive measures, there's still much ground to cover in raising awareness among customers and stakeholders. In terms of educating users about potential fraud risks and best practices for safe transactions, Kinguin takes a multifaceted approach. While actively engaging in various conferences and webinars about fraud, Egemen and his team ensure that they share valuable insights and knowledge gained from their experiences. For instance, Egemen recently participated in RavCon 24, an event organized by Ravelin in London, where he shared his expertise with industry leaders. This commitment to knowledge sharing not only enhances awareness within the gaming community but also fosters collaboration and exchange of best practices among industry stakeholders. Additionally, within the Kinguin platform, users receive timely notifications and updates regarding any fraudulent activities, empowering them to make informed decisions and stay vigilant against potential risks. Despite these efforts, there remains a recognition within Kinguin of the need for broader industry-wide education and awareness initiatives to combat fraud effectively.Overcoming Challenges and Future innovationsEgemen reflects on the cultural shift within Kinguin, emphasizing the need for adaptability and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Mindset change was pivotal in aligning the team with the company's evolving standards and expectations.Looking ahead, Kinguin aims to streamline operations through automation and AI, empowering experts to focus on strategic decision-making. Egemen envisions a future where manual interventions are minimized, maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.SummaryIn conclusion, Kinguin's journey shows a significant shift in fraud prevention, blending cutting-edge technology with a customer-centric approach. Egemen's insights shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and future aspirations of a company at the forefront of innovation in the gaming industry. As they continue to push boundaries and redefine standards, Kinguin sets a shining example for others to follow in the ongoing battle against fraud.
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In the ever-changing world of digital business, data holds the key to success. Mariusz Jagodziński, the Head of Data & Analytics at Kinguin, leads a dedicated team driving innovation through numbers. In a candid interview, Mariusz shares insights into their journey, projects, and the role of data in shaping Kinguin's future. A Journey of Growth and InnovationMariusz's journey with Kinguin started nearly three years ago, marking the inception of a visionary era in data-driven decision-making. Mariusz reflects on the evolution of Kinguin's Data & Analytics team, described as "small but deadly" for its significant impact on the company's growth.Comprising nine dedicated members with diverse expertise, including Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Business Intelligence Analysts, Web Analytics Specialists, and Conversation Designers, the team collaborates seamlessly managing data integration, transformation, and visualization. Powered by Python, SQL, JavaScript, and Looker Business Intelligence system, they navigate the landscape of internal and external data sources, weaving insights that drive Kinguin's strategic initiatives.Taking Pride in Progress: Creating Solutions that MatterWhen asked about what makes him most proud, Mariusz's focus turns to the important work of harmonization and innovation. He emphasizes the significance of making sure everyone in different departments uses the same terms and measures success in the same way. This helps Kinguin to create models that forecast the effect of particular sales strategies on critical processes, for instance cash flow, EBITDA and reserve investments. But what really excites Mariusz is building cash flow forecasting models using machine learning. These advanced models, which consider external factors, and can adapt to change, help Kinguin manage its finances with accuracy.Using Data for GrowthIn the ever-changing world of ecommerce, data and analytics are like engines driving innovation and resilience. Mariusz explains how Kinguin strategically uses advanced analytics and machine learning to gain insights and create personalized experiences for users. Whether it's cleaning up data or predicting future trends, these tools help Kinguin understand what users want and how the market is changing. A significant opportunity and challenge is the connection of user behavioral data with sales. Learning about the user journeys both within and outside of Kinguin opens opportunities for offering better, more personalized products. However, this task presents significant challenges: we’re talking about predictive models that estimate the effects of customer journey transformations on sales.Ethics and Integrity: Keeping Data SafeIn today's digital age, protecting customer data is essential. Mariusz emphasizes Kinguin's strong commitment to keeping data private and secure. With special teams focused on detecting fraud and making sure Kinguin follows the rules, the company works hard to keep customer information safe while still finding new ways to innovate.Global Presence, Local Understanding: Tailoring Experiences for All UsersKinguin operates in a global marketplace, but it understands that different regions have different preferences. Through careful research and flexible strategies, Kinguin creates experiences that resonate with users around the world, making everyone feel welcome and included.Personalized Recommendations: Making Each Experience UniqueIn a world where personalization is key, Kinguin uses data analytics to give each user a tailored experience. Whether it's recommending games or suggesting payment methods, Kinguin uses insights from data to make interactions smooth and enjoyable for every user. With the use of Google Recommendations AI Kinguin anticipates customer tastes, thus saving time by presenting products which are nearest to their interests at the initial stage. Another instance of our analytics usage is the adaptive choice and placement of payment methods in connection with customer profiles and geography. With nearly 200 payment options available at Kinguin it is crucial for the users to find the most suitable one quickly and easily. Staying Ahead of the Game: Embracing ChangeAs the gaming industry evolves, Kinguin's data and analytics team stays on top of the latest trends. The introduction of AI-based solutions should not become an automatic goal. In our analytics team, we have come to discover that sometimes traditional statistical methods serve better. The secret to being competitive lies in the balance between embracing valuable trends ahead of time and avoiding risks associated with outdated solutions. By working together across departments and embracing new technologies, Kinguin adapts to change quickly, staying competitive in the global market.Working Together for SuccessCollaboration is at the heart of Kinguin's success. Mariusz shares stories of teams from different departments coming together to find new ways to use data. The critical component of success is the unification and language—one important step towards defining common objectives in cross-team collaboration. Through teamwork and automation, Kinguin empowers its employees to use data to improve advertising, personalize products, and optimize prices, all to give users the best experience possible.In Kinguin's story, data isn't just a tool—it's a guiding light, leading the way to innovation, empowerment, and unforgettable gaming experiences. As Mariusz and his team continue to explore new possibilities, the legacy of data-driven excellence shines brighter than ever, shaping the future of gaming one insight at a time.
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As we look back on 2023, we are filled with pride and excitement for the milestones we have achieved. This year marked our 10th anniversary, and we celebrated this momentous occasion by introducing a host of innovative features and expanding our reach to millions of gamers around the world.Business GrowthKinguin's remarkable growth in 2023 was evident across all key metrics. We experienced a substantial 23% increase in total orders compared to 2022, demonstrating the heightened demand for our services and the expanding reach of our platform. Our revenue soared by an impressive 35%, reflecting the growing value we provide to gamers worldwide. Additionally, our Gross profit surged by 21%, highlighting our efficient operations and ability to generate sustainable profitability. 17 Million Registered AccountsOur commitment to providing gamers with the best possible digital goods has resulted in a remarkable growth in our user base. We reached a staggering 17 million registered accounts in 2023, solidifying our position as a leading digital marketplace for gamers. Open Banking PaymentsWe made a significant step towards a more secure and convenient payment experience by introducing Open Banking payments, with the inclusion of over 500 banks through our checkout process. This innovative technology allows users to securely share their financial information, like banking transactions and account details, with other authorised organisations through digital channels.Kinguin EPC BootcampsWe empowered aspiring esports professionals by hosting 115 bootcamps and 8 big events at our Kinguin Esports Performance Center (EPC). These intensive training sessions provided aspiring gamers with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the competitive esports landscape.Google Based Digital Transformation EventTogether with our partner, Google, we organized a technological event called Kinguin&Friends: Google Based Digital Transformation, showcasing our dedication to adopting cutting-edge technologies that enhance our operations and provide a superior user experience. Kinguin at GamescomWe made our presence felt at Gamescom, the world's largest gaming event, connecting with partners and exploring new business areas. This allowed us to deepen our connections within the gaming industry and pave the way for innovative collaborations.Kinguin Vouchers in Kolporter and CarrefourWe expanded our reach by partnering with Kolporter (Poland) and Carrefour (Romania) to offer Kinguin vouchers. This strategic move enabled us to introduce our products to a wider audience and provide gamers with more convenient ways to purchase digital goods.Sneak Out Demo and Playtest ResultsSneak Out, the first game developed by Kinguin Studios, generated immense excitement among gamers. The demo and playtest garnered very positive community feedback and Steam sessions, exceeding our expectations. With the upcoming release in 2024 we cannot wait to share this remarkable experience with the global gaming community.Guest CheckoutWe enhanced the user experience by introducing Guest Checkout, allowing users to make purchases without creating an account. This feature has streamlined the checkout process and made it more convenient for gamers to access our vast array of digital goods. Record-Breaking Year in Kinguin Esports LoungeOur Kinguin Esports Lounge experienced a record-breaking year, with a surge in attendance and number of events. The lounge has become a hub for gaming enthusiasts, providing them with a unique space to connect, compete, and experience the thrill of gaming firsthand. We concluded the year with the 10th anniversary event held in Kinguin Esports Lounge. Looking Ahead to 2024As we embark on 2024, Kinguin remains steadfast in our commitment to innovation and growth, fueled by our unwavering passion for serving gamers worldwide. We are excited to unveil a series of groundbreaking features that will transform the digital entertainment landscape and solidify our position as the most open and accessible destination for gamers globally.Our vision extends beyond mere transactions; we aspire to create an unparalleled digital entertainment playground where gamers can seamlessly access a vast array of products and services, all while prioritizing security, transparency, and inclusivity. We envision a world where gamers are empowered to express themselves freely, collaborate seamlessly, and experience the thrill of gaming in its purest form.In 2024, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation, exploring cutting-edge technologies and forging strategic partnerships that will revolutionize the gaming experience for our passionate community. Stay tuned as we unveil new and exciting features that will redefine the possibilities of digital entertainment.
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A decade ago, in 2013, the gaming community witnessed the birth of an online marketplace that would revolutionise the way gamers buy and sell their favourite titles. Today, as Kinguin reaches its 10th anniversary milestone, it's time to reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us to this point. From humble beginnings to becoming a global gaming destination, Kinguin has truly etched its mark in the gaming industry. Let's take a trip down memory lane, highlighting key milestones that have shaped Kinguin's success. Along this path, we not only attained the significant milestones but also secured a multitude of smaller yet equally pivotal victories. These smaller triumphs, often overshadowed by grander events, are nonetheless crucial threads woven into the rich tapestry of our growth story. As the years unfold, our achievements persist as vital chapters in the ongoing narrative of our evolution:2013:Launch of Kinguin.netKinguin processed the first 100,000 transactions2014:Kinguin steps into esports with sponsorships of TSM and FnaticKinguin reaches 1,000,000 registered accounts The first Kinguin for charity event2015Team Kinguin (esports team) is createdKinguin introduces Dogecoin as a first crypto payment option2016Kinguin reaches 5,000,000 registered accounts5,000,000th transaction2018Kinguin reaches 7,000,000 registered accounts2019Kinguin Esports Performance Center is opened2020Kinguin Esports Lounge Gdansk is opened2021Kinguin reaches over 10,000,000 registered accountsKinguin launches Kinguin Cares - a charity project for orphanages2022Kinguin launches NFT marketplace in cooperation with Immutable XFirst Kinguin Legends esports tournament202310th anniversary of Kinguin.netKinguin introduces Open Banking paymentsKinguin reaches over 17,000,000 registered accounts Our heartfelt gratitude extends to everyone who has been an integral part of our extraordinary journey, making the celebration of our 10th anniversary a testament to collective efforts and shared achievements from both the present and bygone years. The success of this event resonates harmoniously with its intended purpose, aligning seamlessly with the objectives set forth.As we raise a collective cheer to commemorate the incredible path we've traversed together, we embrace not just the accomplishments behind us but also eagerly anticipate the next chapter that awaits. Here's to the unwritten pages of our future, where we are poised to embrace new challenges, set ambitious goals, and embark on journeys that will undoubtedly unveil many more milestones on the horizon.
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Kinguin, the leading digital marketplace for gamers, proudly announces a colossal milestone: 17 million registered users on the platform! This achievement is not only a testament to our thriving community but also marks a decade of redefining the gaming experience. Kinguin is celebrating its impressive 10-year anniversary!Since the beginning of 2023, Kinguin has experienced substantial growth, with over 70% of our users hailing from the diverse gaming communities of Europe. Germany leads the way, contributing a significant 16% to our ever-expanding user base. Following closely is the entirety of North America, accounting for 18%, with the United States claiming a commendable 14%. South America secures its spot as the third continent in terms of user distribution, with 5% of all Kinguin users."In the past five years, Kinguin has experienced phenomenal growth, boasting an astonishing 105% increase in registered users. I remember when back in 2019, we were celebrating 8 million users, and now reaching 17 million is something truly amazing! Our journey has been fueled by the unwavering trust and dedication of our incredible community. Thank you for being a part of this incredible ride," says Viktor Romaniuk, Founder and CEO at Kinguin.Age Breakdown:Diversity remains at the core of the Kinguin community, as evidenced by our age breakdown. Users below 24 years old constitute a whopping 44% of our platform, showcasing our broad appeal across generations. The age group of 25-34 comprises 27%, while 35-44 and 45+ make up 14% and 15%, respectively. This varied age distribution underscores Kinguin's commitment to catering to gamers of all ages and preferences.Language Preferences:Our users embody a diverse linguistic palette, and language selection on Kinguin mirrors this global diversity. English stands out as the most widely chosen language, with 36% of users opting for it. German secures the second spot with 16%, closely followed by Polish, chosen by 12% of our community. This linguistic variety enhances the accessibility and inclusivity of Kinguin for users worldwide.Gender Representation:Breaking stereotypes in the gaming world, Kinguin is pleased to note a significant increase in female users. Since the beginning of the year, 22% of our users are female, highlighting the expanding and inclusive nature of our platform. We are committed to fostering a gaming environment that welcomes and celebrates all gamers, regardless of gender.As if that's not exciting enough, this year marks the 10th anniversary of Kinguin! A decade of growth, innovation, and, most importantly, incredible gaming experiences shared with you, our dedicated community. The journey to 17 million users is a testament to the trust and support you've placed in us over the years. We're not just celebrating numbers; we're celebrating a decade of shaping the gaming landscape.Here's to a decade of gaming excellence and many more adventures to come!
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In a rapidly evolving digital marketplace, e-commerce platforms continually seek innovative ways to streamline the purchasing process and enhance the overall user experience. Kinguin, a leading online video game marketplace, recently introduced a significant feature aimed at simplifying the buying journey for its users: Guest Checkout. In this article, we will explore the motivations behind the implementation of Guest Checkout, the technological changes that accompanied it, and the impact it has had on Kinguin's platform.Kinguin's introduction of the Guest Checkout feature was driven by several key factors. The primary goal was to provide a fast and hassle-free path for users who preferred not to register but still wanted to make swift purchases with minimal effort. By offering this option, Kinguin acknowledged the diverse preferences of its users, recognizing that not everyone desires the full benefits of registered membership. Guest Checkout was also a response to market needs, aligning with the broader trends in online shopping.Technological Changes for Guest CheckoutBefore the implementation of Guest Checkout, Kinguin's system primarily served fully registered users, with authorization and transactions dependent on unique user IDs. We had to restructure our services to accommodate anonymous customers, who did not provide detailed personal data while ensuring that all functionalities remained intact, transactions were processed correctly, and fraud protection remained active.This transformation extended to various aspects of the platform, including order processing, checkout, and customer support systems.Secure Integration and User-Friendly ExperienceThe IT department at Kinguin took a meticulous approach to developing and integrating the Guest Checkout feature into the existing system. Several critical considerations included security measures, user access, email confirmation, product delivery, and fraud protection. Security was paramount, ensuring that customer data and transactions remained safeguarded throughout the process.User Engagement and Conversion RatesThe impact of Guest Checkout on users was notable, as we noticed a 10% increase across all customer acquisition metrics. Users began utilizing the functionality right from the first day, and the feature was initially enabled for selected product configurations. The gradual rollout allowed for optimization based on user feedback. Guest Checkout's adoption was smooth and resulted in increased conversion rates, as it addressed the demand from users who preferred making purchases without creating an account.Strategies for a Seamless User ExperienceTo ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience for customers using Guest Checkout, Kinguin implemented several strategies. These included minimizing the steps required for Guest Checkout, providing a secure dispatch page, and effective communication with users regarding email delivery. Furthermore, changes were made to the checkout interface to accommodate the feature without disrupting the experience for registered users. It's important to note that these strategies were not implemented in a single go but underwent several iterations since the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) phase. Rigorous Testing and Quality AssuranceKinguin invested significant effort in testing and quality assurance before launching Guest Checkout. Extensive testing included:test case development, testing on production environments, A/B tests, UI/UX evaluation, and localization testing.That all played a vital role in ensuring a flawless Guest Checkout experience. The collaboration between QA experts and developers was instrumental in addressing any identified issues.According to Robert Strzecha, Quality Assurance Team Leader: “We undertook a rigorous testing and quality assurance journey to guarantee a flawless Guest Checkout experience for our customers. With 550 carefully crafted test cases, staging environment simulations, and a final stress test in the production environment, we left no stone unturned in our pursuit of perfection. By involving our QA team early in the development process, we were able to identify and address potential issues before they could impact our users. Throughout this process, we worked closely and cooperatively with our developers on a daily basis. This collaboration was instrumental in rapidly identifying and addressing issues, resulting in the successful resolution of only 28 logged bugs.”Lessons Learned and ChallengesOne notable lesson learned during Guest Checkout implementation was the importance of considering existing users' preferences and experience. It was essential to focus on improving the experience for Guest Checkout users without disrupting that of others.Aligning with Kinguin's Long-Term StrategiesGuest Checkout aligns with Kinguin's long-term customer experience and sales growth strategies by removing barriers to purchases and providing a more open and user-centric platform. Kinguin's mission to be the most open digital entertainment playground is enhanced through this feature, ensuring a smooth and barrier-free purchase experience for all users.Future EnhancementsLooking ahead, Kinguin plans to further enhance the Guest Checkout feature by streamlining events passed between services, automating the support process, integrating AI functions for faster customer service, and continually improving the checkout page layout for a more user-friendly and intuitive experience.In conclusion, Kinguin's introduction of Guest Checkout has significantly improved the user experience, aligned with market trends, and demonstrated the platform's commitment to providing a more open and user-friendly marketplace for digital entertainment. The future holds promise as Kinguin continues to innovate and enhance the Guest Checkout feature to benefit its growing user base.
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In a remarkable milestone, the Kinguin Esports Performance Center in Warsaw marked a historic achievement in 2023 by successfully hosting 100 bootcamps, organized by domestic and foreign teams for games such as CS:GO, FIFA, Dota 2 and VALORANT. This marks a unique milestone in Kinguin EPC's history, contributing significantly to our nation's integration into the global esports community.The year 2023 has undeniably become a pivotal moment in Kinguin EPC's four-year history, emerging as Europe's largest training center for esports players. Esteemed teams from around the globe now gather on this iconic venue to hone their skills in preparation for major tournaments, including the prestigious World Championships. The undeniable charm of the center's unique character and atmosphere has earned it a reputation as one of Europe's premier destinations for organizing bootcamps.Example of a post from one of the teams:https://twitter.com/NeiL_Mcs/status/1710365450951913746 Teams such as Natus Vincere Javelins, Imperial, Complexity, MOUZ, Team Secret, Tundra Esports, OG, beastcoast, Monte, 9INE, Nigma Galaxy, B8, Betclic Apogee, Anonymo, NOM Esports, Acend, Falcons, Grayhound, FURIA, M80, Bad News Eagles, Nouns, Team 500, Passion UA, Into The Breach, and the Polish eFUTBOL team under the Polish Football Association banner were among the notable visitors in 2023.The year witnessed an extensive range of bootcamps, with a primary focus on CS:GO (58 bootcamps), FIFA (14), Dota 2 (7), VALORANT (6), and League of Legends (5). Moreover, the Kinguin EPC hosted teams from lesser-known esports titles, including Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege, Overwatch, and APEX Legends. Notably, women's esports teams in CS:GO, VALORANT, and FIFA also benefited from the center's state-of-the-art facilities.Another example, this time from Poland:https://twitter.com/PolsatGames/status/1710351943623725110 Beyond bootcamps, the Kinguin EPC played host to various events that garnered significant attention within the esports community. Events such as the Polish Halo Community Meeting, Legends Clash: Coca Cola vs. Żabka in League of Legends, and the Polish Splatoon 3 Championships underscored the venue's diverse appeal.Paweł Książek, Head of Kinguin Esports Performance Center, commented on this momentous achievement, stating, "Organizing 100 bootcamps means crossing another boundary in the functioning of Kinguin EPC. More and more teams trust us in the most important moments of their preparations for championship tournaments, coming to Warsaw even several times a year. We are glad that we have become - as the players call it - their second home."Kinguin EPC's legacy continues to thrive in the esports world, building on a rich history and cementing its position as a global esports powerhouse. As it enters its fifth year of operation, the future appears brighter than ever, promising more thrilling developments and collaborations within the ever-evolving esports landscape.
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In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, adaptation and innovation are the keys to success. The gaming industry, in particular, has seen remarkable growth in recent years, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses operating within it. To gain insights into this evolving landscape, we had the privilege of interviewing Vili Kastrev, Vice President of Sales at Kinguin, a leading player in the gaming e-commerce sector. In this article, we'll explore his professional journey, Kinguin's unique incentive structure, strategies for collaborating across departments, and the essential aspects of success in today's competitive e-commerce environment.Vili Kastrev's journey with Kinguin began on November 1, 2011, a date he now sees as symbolic in the gaming world due to the release of Skyrim. He joined VIWA Entertainment, a startup that later (2013) became Kinguin, as an Online Store Manager. With a lifelong passion for gaming, Vili understood the impatience of gamers awaiting new releases and the importance of a seamless user experience. His early days at Kinguin were marked by managing everything from designing web banners to customer support, giving him a holistic view of the business. This immersion allowed him to understand customer needs and drive the business forward effectively.Expanding InternationallyAs Kinguin's success grew, we expanded into multiple countries, and Vili took on leadership roles in various teams. Transitioning from an individual contributor to a team leader brought its own set of challenges, including selecting the right talent and fostering a supportive environment for collective success.Reflecting on his journey, Vili emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, resilience in the face of challenges, and learning from both successes and failures. He also highlights the significance of leadership in providing support and guidance while shielding the team from unnecessary stress.Evolution of the Gaming IndustryThe gaming industry has evolved significantly over the years. Game publishers' restrictions, increased competition, and changing customer preferences have presented challenges. To adapt and sustain growth, Kinguin diversified its income streams, expanded product offerings, and focused on creativity and innovation. The experience gained over the years has allowed us to make data-driven decisions and anticipate market shifts effectively.The motivation - 'All or Nothing' Challenge In 2020, Kinguin introduced an innovative monthly program linked to the company's performance in Revenue and Gross Profit. What makes this program unique is that each month, Kinguin employees collectively vote to determine the bonus level. Vili Kastrev, a key contributor to this initiative, closely monitors its monthly performance, providing ongoing motivation to all Kinguiners. In Kinguin we understand that everyone has an impact on our business, not only sales teams, that is why the bonus is company-wide. In order to motivate every single Kinguiner we implement 4 major motivational tactics:Constant Communication: We maintain constant contact and close communication. Open and transparent communication fosters a sense of belonging and keeps everyone informed about our progress, challenges, and objectives.Embracing Challenges: We encourage our team not to be afraid of failure. In fact, we believe that if you're not failing occasionally, it may indicate that you're not pushing your limits enough. Failure, though not always enjoyable, often provides the most valuable lessons in the end.Learning from Failure: We emphasize the importance of learning from failures. While celebrating successes is essential, we recognize that failures offer invaluable insights. Even if we don’t achieve a bonus in a given month, we gain knowledge that can help reach our goals in the future.Reflect and Improve: After facing a setback, we encourage our team to take a moment to reflect. We ask questions like: What happened? Was it due to a single factor or multiple factors? Where can we improve? How can we maximize the potential of this opportunity? Are there obstacles, and if we invest more, what would be the expected outcome?The 'All or Nothing' monthly bonus offers Kinguiners the chance to earn a bonus of up to 30% of their base salaries, depending on company performance. This flexible approach enables employees to set ambitious targets in alignment with market dynamics. Beyond financial incentives, Kinguin prioritizes personal and professional development, creating a comprehensive and motivating work environment that encourages Kinguiners to pursue both financial success and personal growth.Balancing Competitive Pricing and Profit Margins with Wholesale PartnersMaintaining a balance between competitive pricing and healthy profit margins when working with wholesale partners is vital. Kinguin focuses on collaboration and building trust, sometimes adjusting pricing to accommodate partners' needs. Personal connections and close relationships with partners have been instrumental in achieving growth in the wholesale segment.Vili said: In our interactions with wholesale partners, our approach is built on a foundation of collaboration and mutual support. We understand the delicate balance between offering competitive pricing and maintaining healthy profit margins for Kinguin. To achieve this equilibrium, we employ a combination of negotiation techniques and pricing strategies tailored to each unique scenario.Oversight of the 'Homepage & Deals Experience Team'Vili has recently taken a lead over the cross-functional team called 'Homepage & Deals Experience Team'. This team plays a pivotal role in driving sales and enhancing customer engagement at Kinguin. In a remarkably short period, we've assembled a diverse team of experts with specialized knowledge in areas such as sales, campaigns, marketing, PPC, SEO, automation, and email marketing. This diversity of expertise provides us with a comprehensive perspective, allowing us to arrive at the best possible solutions through collaborative discussions.Our mission is straightforward yet impactful: every day, we aim to provide customers with compelling reasons to visit Kinguin. The team accomplishes this by curating fresh deals and promotions daily, including exclusive events like Flash sales, where we consistently offer the lowest prices in the market. Our commitment is to make it unnecessary for customers to compare prices; the highlighted deal on our homepage is guaranteed to be the best available. – added Vili.Fostering Collaboration Among Sales DepartmentsCollaboration between various sales departments is fundamental to our success at Kinguin, and we've cultivated a culture of seamless cooperation and unified efforts across all teams. In today's competitive e-commerce landscape, the scale of our operations demands synchronization and coordination.The 'All or Nothing' (AON) challenge serves as a powerful symbol of this cooperation. The company bonus is shared with every member of the Kinguin team, reinforcing our collective commitment to achieving our common goals.The Single Most Important Aspect for Success in E-CommerceAccording to Vili, success hinges on several key streams, each of which plays a pivotal role:Diversification of Income Sources and Services: Businesses should prioritize diversifying their income sources and services. Relying on a single revenue stream can leave a company vulnerable to market fluctuations and changes. Exploring new product lines, entering strategic partnerships, and expanding service offerings can provide stability and resilience in a dynamic market.Customer-Centric Approach: A customer-centric approach remains indispensable. Understanding and meeting customer needs, preferences, and expectations are paramount. Businesses that prioritize exceptional customer experiences, personalized interactions, and responsive support are more likely to retain customers and build brand loyalty.Enhancing the User Experience: The user experience is a cornerstone of success in e-commerce. An intuitive and seamless online shopping experience, optimized for both desktop and mobile users, can significantly impact conversion rates and customer satisfaction. Continuously improving website usability, speed, and security is crucial.In summary, while these aspects are interconnected and collectively contribute to success, they underscore the importance of adaptability and innovation in the ever-changing e-commerce industry. Businesses that prioritize diversification, customer-centricity, and user experience are better positioned to thrive in this competitive environment.ConclusionIn the rapidly evolving world of e-commerce, Vili Kastrev's journey at Kinguin illustrates the keys to success: adaptation and innovation. The gaming industry's rapid growth presents both challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs and maintaining a holistic view of the business.Key to success always lies in people and how motivated they are. Kinguin's 'All or Nothing' monthly bonus program stands out as a unique incentive structure that combines financial rewards with personal and professional development. This multifaceted approach fosters motivation, learning from both successes and failures, and constant communication. Additionally, Kinguin's approach to balancing competitive pricing with wholesale partners highlights the importance of collaboration and trust-building in achieving growth. In this dynamic e-commerce landscape, success hinges on diversifying income sources, a customer-centric approach, and a seamless user experience. Businesses that prioritize adaptability, innovation, and customer satisfaction are poised to thrive in this competitive environment.
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Kinguin, a leading digital marketplace for video games, has taken a groundbreaking step to invest in the professional development of its employees (Kinguiners). The company has established a partnership with the prestigious Harvard Business School, providing funding for its employees to attend various online courses. This initiative reflects Kinguin's commitment to nurturing leadership, fostering organizational excellence, and promoting innovation within Kinguiners. Led by industry experts, these courses not only enhance the skills and knowledge of Kinguin employees but also provide them with an invaluable opportunity to expand their international network and engage in meaningful discussions with participants from around the world.With over 40 individual courses funded so far, Kinguiers have a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and expand their knowledge through the three core courses offered: Leadership PrinciplesOrganizational Leadership Design Thinking and Innovation Courses are led by two exceptional experts:Joshua D. Margolis, James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration and the Unit Head for the Organizational Behavior unit. He is also Faculty Chair of the Program for Leadership Development. His research and teaching revolve around leadership and ethics. He has taught courses on Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Leadership and Corporate Accountability, Authentic Leadership Development, and Field Immersion Experiences for Leadership Development (FIELD). Anthony Mayo, Thomas S. Murphy Senior Lecturer of Business Administration and C. Roland Christensen Distinguished Management Educator in the Organizational Behavior Unit of Harvard Business School (HBS). He currently teaches Leadership and Organizational Behavior (LEAD) and Authentic Leader Development in the MBA Program. He also serves as the course head for LEAD.Leadership Principles:The Leadership Principles course provides Kinguin leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the core principles that drive effective leadership. Participants explore their motivational drivers, emotional intelligence, and communication methods to establish a personal leadership style that resonates with their teams. The course emphasizes the importance of applying or adapting leadership styles to meet specific challenges, equipping leaders with the flexibility to navigate diverse situations. By understanding and managing the conditions that drive team performance, participants gain the tools to create an environment that fosters productivity and collaboration. Moreover, the course focuses on coaching colleagues and sharing feedback in ways that empower their development and enhance their performance. Leaders are prepared to handle stressful and demanding situations, developing resilience and composure in their decision-making. Lastly, the course emphasizes the importance of taking charge of professional development, supporting leaders as they navigate the transition from individual contributors to effective leaders within the organization. "The Leadership Principles course at Harvard Business School has been a game-changer for me. It enhanced my communication methods, adaptive leadership, and team performance. I'm excited to apply these principles and drive our team's success." - Konrad Wojcinski, Communications Director at Kinguin. Organizational LeadershipThe Organizational Leadership course focuses on equipping Kinguiners with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively lead teams within a complex organizational structure. This course helps participants identify any misalignments between the dynamics of their organization and external market conditions, ensuring that strategies and actions remain relevant and responsive to the ever-changing business landscape. Through effective communication of purpose and vision, participants learn how to inspire their organization to execute on that vision, aligning their teams and driving collective success. The course also emphasizes the importance of extending influence through other managers, enabling leaders to have a broader impact on the organization. Additionally, participants learn to elevate their leadership style to meet the distinct challenges of leading larger, more dispersed teams. They gain insights into shaping organizational culture and architecture to maximize talent, leverage diversity, and drive overall performance. Furthermore, the course equips Kinguin leaders with strategies for planning and engineering organizational change and innovation initiatives, enabling them to navigate and lead through transformative processes successfully. "The Organizational Leadership course at Harvard Business School has been transformative for me. It provided me with the tools to address market dynamics, inspire our team, shape our culture, and drive performance. I'm really looking forward to using all these invaluable learnings.”- Adam Gruda, Chief Operations Officer at KinguinDesign Thinking and InnovationThe Design Thinking and Innovation course equips Kinguiners with a fresh mindset that integrates creative problem-solving and management. Participants learn to overcome rigid thinking patterns and approach problems with a fresh perspective, fostering innovation within the organization. The course helps develop an innovation toolkit, enabling leaders to determine when and how to apply design thinking frameworks, tools, and exercises to their strategic initiatives. Through practicing empathy and applying human-centered design techniques such as ideation, prototyping, user journey mapping, and analyzing mental models, participants gain practical skills to drive innovation. Additionally, the course emphasizes the assessment of group dynamics to maximize the team's potential in developing and iterating prototypes, as well as managing the implementation of new designs. Leaders also gain an understanding of how to create an optimal environment and foster team dynamics that promote innovation and collaboration. By collaborating with peers from diverse professional backgrounds, participants put design thinking into action and leverage the collective experiences to drive innovative solutions."The Design Thinking and Innovation course at Harvard Business School revolutionized my perspective. It empowered me to break rigid thinking patterns, apply human-centered design, and maximize our team's potential for innovation. With a newfound toolkit, I'm eager to collaborate across diverse backgrounds and put design thinking into action to drive transformative solutions." - Jakub Bieganowski, VP of Products, Data & Analytics at Kinguin.Conclusions:This commitment to professional development is in line with Kinguin's core values of Care, Impact, and Passion. Kinguin ensures that these courses are available to every Kinguiner, regardless of their level or department, emphasizing equal opportunities for growth and skill enhancement. This inclusive approach cultivates a supportive and collaborative work environment, where individuals are encouraged to pursue their career aspirations and contribute their unique perspectives to the overall success of the company. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth, our commitment to professional development through these courses ignites passion and makes a true impact on our organizational culture and business outcomes.Kinguin's partnership with Harvard Business School reflects our dedication to investing in our employees' professional development. By funding over 40 individual courses, Kinguin empowers its employees to become effective leaders, drive organizational excellence, and foster innovation. The Leadership Principles, Organizational Leadership, and Design Thinking and Innovation courses provide Kinguiners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a competitive industry. As Kinguiners seize the opportunity to attend these prestigious courses, the company sets a new standard for employee development within the gaming industry.
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As of August 2nd, 2023, Viktor Romaniuk will become the new Acting CEO of Kinguin, continuing the innovative Rotating CEO concept that has guided Kinguin's success over the past two years. Two years ago at Kinguin, we embarked on an uncharted journey by implementing the concept of a Rotating CEO. A seemingly unconventional idea, this model of leadership was designed to maintain our agility, foster innovation, and drive us towards our ambitious Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) targets, while helping us to navigate the challenging landscapes that often accompany such growth.Why introduce a 6 months rotating CEO structure? Traditional leadership models, while effective, often put immense pressure on a single individual. CEOs carry the weight of the entire company's success, often leading to long work hours, high-pressure decision making, and a work-life imbalance. With the advent of technology, the expectation for CEOs to be 'always on' further contributes to stress and the risk of burnout.With our Rotating CEO approach at Kinguin, we have:Diversity of Perspective: Each rotating CEO brings unique perspectives to the table, rooted in their distinct experiences and expertise. This diversity enriches our decision-making processes and sparks innovative strategies and solutions.Shared Responsibility: Rotating the role of the CEO helps us to share the immense responsibility and stress, leading to more balanced leadership and a fresh, energized approach.Team Building: Shared leadership fosters unity and collaboration at the executive level, promoting seamless transitions and consistent strategic execution.So, has our unconventional approach been successful? Absolutely. Since the implementation of the Acting CEO model, we have almost tripled our GMV, significantly improving our processes and workflows. This success is testament to the power of perspective diversity and shared responsibility in driving growth and resilience.As we welcome Viktor Romaniuk to his new role as Acting CEO, we pause to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of our former Acting CEO Robert Kalbarczyk, whose leadership has been instrumental in our journey thus far. Viktor's appointment ensures a smooth continuation of our strategy, as we remain committed to our mission of making gaming accessible and inclusive for everyone and to our vision of becoming the world's most open digital entertainment playground.This innovative approach to leadership is one of the many ways we, at Kinguin, strive to challenge the status quo, disrupt traditional business models, and keep our sights set on the future. By openly sharing our journey, we hope to inspire other organizations to explore diverse leadership structures, promoting innovation, growth, and resilience in an ever-changing business landscape.Here’s to continued innovation, unity, and shared success in the face of exciting challenges ahead!
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In the world of digital gaming, Kinguin has established a prominent role for itself. As a leading online marketplace for gamers, we offer a diverse selection of digital offerings. Recently, the platform reached a remarkable milestone by surpassing 16 million registered users, showcasing the soaring demand for digital gaming purchases. Furthermore, this year marks Kinguin's momentous 10th anniversary, adding an extra layer of significance to our accomplishments. This article will delve into the importance of this celebration, highlight the platform's global reach, and explore some fascinating demographic statistics from the past 12 months.With a presence in over 220 countries worldwide, Kinguin has transformed the way gamers purchase and access their favorite titles. Since its inception a decade ago, the platform has grown exponentially, now serving millions of gamers across the globe. This accomplishment signifies the platform's exceptional commitment to providing excellent service and digital gaming products to a diverse and vast user base.Among the multitude of countries where Kinguin is accessible, Germany, USA, and Poland have emerged as the powerhouse trio, contributing significantly to the platform's immense success. Together, these three countries account for an impressive 42% of Kinguin's total registered users. The German gaming community's dedication, the passion of American gamers, and the enthusiasm of Polish players have helped Kinguin establish itself as a global gaming authority.Understanding the User Demographics:Kinguin's 16 million registered users come from various age groups and backgrounds, reflecting the universality of digital gaming. From the data collected in the past 12 months, it is evident that the platform appeals strongly to the younger generation.· A Dominant Youthful Presence: A whopping 43% of Kinguin's users fall within the age group of 18 to 24 years. The enthusiasm and energy of this youthful demographic have greatly contributed to the platform's dynamic growth and vibrant gaming community.· A Significant Age Bracket: The age group of 25 to 34 years constitutes 27% of Kinguin's user base. This group, slightly more experienced in the gaming world, brings a mix of expertise and curiosity, fostering a thriving environment for exchange and exploration.· Diverse Gender Representation: Recognizing the ever-increasing diversity in the gaming industry, Kinguin's user demographics showcase a noteworthy 23% of female gamers. This figure highlights the platform's commitment to inclusivity and creating a welcoming space for all gamers.Kinguin's milestone of 16 million registered users is not only a testament to the platform's global popularity but also a reflection of the exponential growth in digital gaming. With over 200,000 digital offerings available on the marketplace, gamers can explore a vast array of titles, downloadable content (DLC), in-game items, gift cards, software tools, and NFTs making it a one-stop-shop for all digital things.Celebrating a Decade of Success:This year marks Kinguin's 10th anniversary, a significant milestone that highlights a decade of dedication, innovation, and growth. Over the years, the platform has evolved into a leading force in the gaming industry, revolutionizing the way gamers access and enjoy their favorite digital content. With a decade of success behind, Kinguin looks forward to a promising future, continuing to serve its loyal community of gamers, with a mission to become the most open digital entertainment playground.Conclusion:Kinguin's achievement of reaching 16 million registered users and celebrating its 10th anniversary is a remarkable double celebration that reinforces our position as a frontrunner in the digital gaming marketplace. As the demand for digital gaming continues to surge, the platform's global reach, user-friendly interface, and extensive catalog of offerings have secured its place as a go-to destination for gamers worldwide. With the enthusiastic support of users from Germany, USA, Poland, and numerous other countries, Kinguin is poised for even greater accomplishments in the future, solidifying its position as a leader in the ever-evolving gaming industry.
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We recently had the pleasure of hosting an extraordinary event, Kinguin&Friends: Google Based Digital Transformation. This event brought together industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts to explore the exciting world of digital transformation and its collaboration with Google Cloud. In case you missed it, we've got you covered! Read on for a recap of the event and find links to the video recap and insightful interviews with our very own CTO, Marek Fila, and a Google Sales Representative, Maciej Buczkowski. The event took place on June 15, at The Warsaw Hub, which serves as the Warsaw headquarters of Google. It lasted 4 hours, offering attendees an engaging experience. There were numerous participants, including people from Google Cloud, Velo Bank, GG League, Exaco, APN promis, BatMaid, Syntech or some students from the Warsaw School of Economics and Warsaw University of Technology. We had a great opportunity to network and exchange ideas. Throughout the event, we delved into several key areas that are shaping the digital landscape. Agenda:Application Programming Interface (API): We explored the significance of APIs in enabling seamless integration and driving innovation in digital transformations.Transformation to Data Driven Organization: The event focused on the importance of leveraging data-driven strategies to optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and unlock new opportunities.Panel Discussion: A captivating panel discussion engaged participants in thought-provoking conversations on the future of the industry, highlighting the potential of data-driven approaches and API solutions.Speakers:Our esteemed lineup of speakers brought invaluable insights and expertise to the event, providing attendees with unique perspectives on digital transformation:🎤 Maciej Buczkowski - Field Sales Representative - Google Cloud🎤 Kuba Zajączkowski - Data Analyst Sales - Google Cloud🎤 Marek Fila - Chief Technology Officer - Kinguin🎤 Mariusz Jagodziński - Head of Data & Analytics - Kinguin🎤 Maciej Sztyk - Product Owner - KinguinTheir informative presentations and engaging discussions left a lasting impact, igniting enthusiasm and fueling the drive for innovation.Take a look at the insightful discussions and memorable interactions that took place during the event. Watch the video recap here: Event Video Recap Link Additionally, dive deeper into our exclusive interviews with Marek Fila, CTO at Kinguin. Gain valuable insights into our collaboration with Google Cloud, the challenges we overcame together, operational efficiency, user experience, scalability of the platform, data security, compliance, and future initiatives. Watch the interviews here: Marek Fila Interview Link The video interview with Maciej Buczkowski, Field Sales Representative at Google, explores the alignment between Google Cloud's technology and services with Kinguin's business goals and the value derived from the partnership. It also highlights how Google Cloud supports Kinguin, including the most beneficial technologies and features, as well as addressing security, compliance challenges, data privacy, and protection. Additionally, it discusses Google Cloud's plans for introducing new technologies or services that may further benefit Kinguin and other e-commerce companies.Maciej Buczkowski Interview Link Conclusion:The Kinguin&Friends: Google Based Digital Transformation event was a remarkable occasion that united industry experts, thought leaders, and technology enthusiasts. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who made this event a tremendous success, including our esteemed speakers, attendees, and our valued partner, Google.Be sure to watch the video recap to immerse yourself in the event's atmosphere and gain deeper insights from our enlightening interviews. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to drive digital transformation and innovation in the industry.Together with Google, we are embracing the future of technology, making a positive impact, and unlocking new opportunities. Join us on this transformative journey!
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In the fast-paced world of online gaming, staying ahead of the competition requires constant innovation and optimization of business processes. Kinguin, a leading global marketplace for video games, recognized the need for a more efficient and customizable tool to enhance their operations. In order to do that, Kinguin developed its own Open API solution, called Harpagon. This article explores how implementation of Open API has transformed Kinguin’s business, enabling us to expand product base, streamline operations, and achieve significant cost savings. Before the implementation of Open API, Kinguin relied on a third-party tool, SellingHub, to manage operations. However, we soon realized that this tool did not fully meet our needs and expectations. We faced limitations in terms of customization and development, which hindered our ability to adapt the tool to their specific needs. Recognizing the need for a more flexible solution, Kinguin decided to develop their own tool from scratch.The Birth of Open API (Harpagon):Kinguin's dedicated team embarked on a year-long journey to create Open API, an in-house solution designed to empower the company with full control over the operations. Open API, internally known as Harpagon, was developed to address both purchasing and sales aspects of Kinguin's business. We were able to create an innovative and scalable e-commerce service that enables Kinguin, and other e-commerce platforms that consolidate digital keys from various sources, to work together on sales and purchases.Purchasing Advancements:With the implementation of Open API, Kinguin unlocked new possibilities for expanding product base and introducing new suppliers. The enhanced tool allowed us to seamlessly integrate with the largest gaming marketplaces worldwide. As a result, Kinguin experienced a remarkable 30% increase in their product offerings within one year, providing gamers with a wider range of choices. Our current range of products encompasses an extensive selection of digital items, exceeding 200,000 offerings. These include video games, software applications, in-game content, gift cards, and NFTs (non-fungible tokens).Sales Expansion:One of the key objectives of implementing Open API was to enable Kinguin to sell on other marketplaces, in addition to our own platform. By integrating with these marketplaces, Kinguin opened up new revenue streams and expanded reach to a broader audience. This strategic move not only increased our sales potential but also strengthened the position in the highly competitive gaming market. The Open API service also acts as a marketing tool, allowing for the promotion of the Kinguin platform on external websites.Realizing Cost Savings:In addition to the flexibility and scalability offered by Open API, Kinguin achieved significant cost savings. By utilizing our own in-house tool, we eliminated the need to rely on third-party solutions. The cost savings were then redirected to further enhance our API capabilities, allowing us to match products easier and faster than ever before. For example, Kinguin managed to automate the matching of 7,000 products in just one day, a process that used to take several weeks previously.Embracing the Growth of APIs:The implementation of Open API aligns with the ever-growing trend of APIs in the technology industry. Over the past year, the API ecosystem has experienced remarkable growth, with an increasing number of practitioners and countries adopting APIs. The Postman API Platform, for instance, witnessed substantial surges in usage, including 20 million users, 38 million collections created, and a staggering 1.13 billion requests generated in the past 12 months. Kinguin's adoption of Open API positions us at the forefront of this technological movement, leveraging the power of APIs to drive innovation within the organization.The Future of Open API:Kinguin's journey with Open API is far from over. The company has ambitious plans to further develop and refine our in-house solution. We are currently focusing on the wholesale part of operations, aiming to expand our supplier network and provide even more diverse product offerings to our customers. Additionally, Kinguin is actively working on developing an analytical module within Open API, enabling us to gain valuable insights into business operations and make data-driven decisions.Conclusions:By implementing Open API, Kinguin has revolutionized operations, leaving behind the limitations of our previous third-party tool. The in-house solution has allowed us to expand our product base, integrate with major gaming marketplaces, and achieve significant cost savings. As Kinguin continues to invest in the development of Open API, our commitment to customization, efficiency, and innovation positions us as a frontrunner in the ever-evolving gaming industry.Author: IT and Product Team
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Looking to join an exciting team that truly values its people? Kinguin, a vibrant organization at the heart of the gaming industry, might be your next career destination. Rooted in core values of CARE, PASSION, and IMPACT, Kinguin fosters a culture that prioritizes its people and champions diversity. In this piece, we dive into an insightful chat with Partycja Adamczyk, Head of People at Kinguin, exploring how our values come to life, what the People Team is up to, and what makes Kinguin's culture unique and engaging. If you've been looking for a fulfilling career that celebrates your individuality, read on to see why Kinguin could be your ideal fit!With over 13 years of experience in HR, Partycja Adamczyk brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as the Head of People at Kinguin. She has worked in reputable companies such as British American Tobacco (BAT), Rosti Group or Bracia Sadownicy. Partycja joined Kinguin in January 2023, driven by her strategic and organizational skills, which she demonstrated from a young age. Her experience includes leading regional roles within the internal communication area, managing compensation & benefits, driving and implementing soft HR global projects and setting up processes to optimize substantial human resources structures.Strategy of the People Team:Since Partycja's arrival, the People Team at Kinguin has made significant progress in terms of strategy and approach. The key areas of focus include creating and implementing HR strategy, consistent with Kinguin's Blueprint, building a strong and motivated People Team. That allows individual development based on talents and strengths, mapping and streamlining processes, and emphasizing automation and digitization. These efforts align with the "Career Accelerant", pillar of Kinguin's Blueprint, driving all activities in the HR department.Interpreting and implementing company values:Partycja emphasizes that the core values of Care, Passion, and Impact are firmly embedded in the People department at Kinguin. The team focuses on effective communication and knowledge sharing, fostering an environment where employees (Kinguiners) feel valued and supported. By prioritizing open dialogue, the team promotes well-being and ensures seamless implementation of changes. Taking a proactive stance, the team goes above and beyond to address business challenges while placing people at the forefront. No Kinguiner problem, whether work-related or personal, is ever ignored, reflecting the team's genuine care and commitment.Moreover, the People department actively focuses on streamlining processes through automation, enhancing efficiency, and driving organizational development. By living out the values, the People department creates a culture where Kinguiners thrive, impact is maximized, and passion fuels success. Kinguin's Unique Culture:Partycja describes Kinguin as an extraordinary organization, emphasizing dynamism, flexibility, and a strong aversion to bureaucracy. Company strives to provide space for Kinguiners to learn and create, enabling their growth and fostering pride in their work. The People Team plays a pivotal role in shaping the company culture, focusing on the values of Passion, Impact, and Care. By implementing a Code of Conduct, an anti-harassment procedure, and a competence model deeply embedded with these values, the People Team ensures that the entire organization operates ethically and cohesively. One of the examples of People’s team commitment to Kinguiners is Mental Health Support Platform implementation, where they provide 8 individual sessions with psychologists or business coaches as per employee needs. Another activity area are training sessions, such as Emotional Intelligence, Change Management or Effective Presentations & Public Speaking. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:Kinguin is dedicated to fostering a Safe, Inclusive & Diverse workplace culture. The company's Board fully supports this endeavor, and Partycja's team takes several steps to promote inclusivity and security. Firstly, they identify areas where unequal treatment may occur based on age, gender, ethnicity, or nationality. Secondly, a "Whistle Blower" tool is being implemented to provide a safe reporting mechanism for Kinguiners to address unacceptable practices. Additionally, the team emphasizes the implementation of a comprehensive "Code of Conduct" for ethical behavior toward employees, partners, and contractors. Training sessions will be provided to both current and new Kinguiners, ensuring that everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Conclusion:Under Partycja Adamczyk's leadership, Kinguin's People Team is actively fostering a Culture of Values and Inclusivity. By prioritizing effective communication, proactive problem-solving, and process improvement, the team ensures the well-being and development of Kinguiners, while aligning with Kinguin's strategic goals. Moreover, Kinguin's unique culture, marked by dynamism, flexibility, and a focus on values, sets it apart from other companies. By promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through mapping, reporting mechanisms, and training initiatives, Kinguin is actively creating a Safe, Inclusive & Diverse workplace for all Kinguiners.
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We are excited to share that Kinguin has introduced Open Banking payments, as part of the checkout process. This feature is now available for customers in multiple European countries. With the convenient Pay by bank method, customers can securely make real-time payments through their banks to purchase products from Kinguin.Open banking is a concept that allows customers to securely share their financial information, like banking transactions and account details, with other authorised organisations through digital channels. It's called "open" because it promotes the idea of sharing this information to create better financial services and experiences.Imagine you have multiple bank accounts with different banks. In a traditional scenario, you would need to log in to each bank separately to manage your accounts. However, with open banking, you can use a single platform or app to access and manage all your accounts in one place.Open banking relies on the use of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), which are like digital bridges that enable different systems to communicate and share information with each other. By using these APIs, authorised third-party providers (such as fintech companies) can securely access your financial data with your consent.This access to your financial information allows for a range of benefits. For example, you can use apps or services that help you budget, analyse your spending patterns, or find better financial products and deals. It also enables you to initiate payments directly from your bank account without needing a credit or debit card.Open banking puts you in control of your financial data. You decide which organisations can access your information and for how long. Data privacy and security are crucial aspects of open banking, with strict regulations in place to protect your information.Kinguin introduced Open Banking payment in several European countries, including Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland. Through the seamless Pay by bank method, customers can securely pay real-time via their banks to purchase products from Kinguin."Open banking payments have revolutionised the way we transact, providing seamless and secure real-time transactions through customers' trusted banks. It has transformed the payment experience, empowering users with convenience, trust, and a new level of financial control. I am very excited that Kinguin is at the forefront of applying these innovative methods, ensuring our customers have a cutting-edge payment solution that enhances their overall shopping experience." said Faheem Bakshi, Head of Payments at KinguinBelow is the list of banks available at Kinguin through the Open Banking:ITALYBNL Gruppo BNP ParibasBPER BancaBanca Intesa SanpaoloBanca Monte dei Paschi di SienaBanca SellaBanco BPMBancoPostaCredem BancaCredit AgricoleFineco BankICCREA - Gruppo BCCINGMediolanumN26PostePayRevolutUnicredit ItalyAllianz BankAlto Adige Banca S.p.A. – Sudtirol Bank AGBANCA GALILEOBanca Capasso AntonioBanca Popolare Vesuviana Società cooperativaBanca Popolare del Cassinate Società cooperativa per azioniBanca Popolare delle Provincie MolisaneBanca Popolare di Cortona - Società cooperativa per azioniBanca Popolare di Lajatico S.C.P.A.Banca Promos S.p.A.Banca Santa Giulia S.p.A.Banca di MacerataBanca di Risparmio di SaviglianoCassa Centrale BancaCassa Rurale Alta Vallagarina di Besenello, Calliano, Nomi, Volano Banca di Credito Cooperativo - Società cooperatvaCassa Rurale Rotaliana e Giovo BCC Società CooperativaCredito Etneo Banca di Credito Cooperativo - Società cooperativa a responsabilità limitataCredito Lombardo Veneto S.p.A.Guber BancaHypo Tirol Bank AGMediocredito Trentino Alto Adige SpaPrader BankSolution BankNETHERLANDSABN AMROASN BankINGKnabN26RabobankRegioBankRevolutSNSBankTriodosPORTUGALActivo BankBBVABanco Atlantico Europa, SABanco BPIBanco CTTBanco MontepioBanco Portugues de GestaoBanco de Investimento GlobalBankinterCaixa Geral de DepósitosCaixa de Credito de LeiriaCredito AgricolaEuroBicMillennium BCPN26Novo BancoRevolutSantanderLITHUANIALuminorRevolutSEBSwedbankŠiaulių bankasESTONIALHVLuminorRevolutSEBSwedbankFINLANDDanske BankNordeaOPOma SäästöpankkiPOP PankkiRevolutS-PankkiSäästöpankkiÅlandsbankenN26
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Greetings Indie Game Devs,At Kinguin, we understand the unique challenges you face in creating and marketing your labor of love - your games. Today, we're delighted to announce a major initiative designed to help: The Kinguin Indie Devs Partnership Fund (KIDPF).If you’ve never heard of Kinguin, or if you’ve come across our name a few times before in the past and want to know more, we’re here to outline exactly who we are and what makes us a safe place to purchase game keys from, so you can start using our website and continue enjoying gaming at a lower cost.We're committing $1 million to be disbursed among indie game developers across the globe by the end of 2024. This fund is a tangible symbol of our support and a testament to our belief in your creativity, passion, and the quality of your games.The KIDPF aims to enhance the visibility of your games, connecting them to Kinguin's robust community of 16+ million users. Importantly, your game doesn't need to be listed on Kinguin to benefit from this grant - you can direct the boosted traffic to your game offer on any platform worldwide.Here's what we can share about KIDPF right now:Who can apply? Any indie game developer from around the world. We embrace diversity in gaming and look forward to seeing applications from all corners of the globe.What's the selection process? We'll soon reveal the criteria for selection. Rest assured, it will be a transparent and fair process, designed to maximize the impact of the fund.What's the grant size? We're still finalizing the details, but we're committed to ensuring the fund has a broad reach and makes a significant impact.How to apply? While the official application process opens on July 7th, you can express your interest today. Send an email to our Chief Gaming Officer, Michal Kaczmarek, at indie@kinguin.net, and we'll put you on the priority waiting list. What happens next? In the coming weeks, we'll be revealing more details about the application requirements, the timeline, and the accountability process. Remember, the Kinguin Indie Devs Partnership Fund is about creating partnerships that support indie game developers. We're excited to launch this initiative as part of our commitment to the indie gaming community.Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to make your mark on the gaming world. Together, we can achieve great things.Your friends,The Kinguin Team
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Kinguin is thrilled to announce its exciting new partnership with 9INE, the esports organization and talent management company that has been making waves in the gaming world. This collaboration stems from a shared commitment to empowering gamers and celebrating the esports community in Poland and beyond. As 9INE’s accomplishments continue to grow, including a remarkable #11 position in the ESL world ranking, the partnership with Kinguin is poised to further solidify their status as a competitive force in the world of Counter-Strike. Together, Kinguin and 9INE will create brand exposure, captivating content, and engaging offers that resonate with their passionate audience. Fredrik Belstad, CEO of 9INE, shares his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Kinguin is a great brand that offers fantastic products at discounted prices. This collaboration will allow us to connect with our audience while attracting new fans and followers. Together, we will create captivating entertainment and ensure the future success of Polish Counter-Strike.” Kinguin’s dedication to esports is evident through its decade-long involvement in the industry. Having sponsored numerous successful esports teams, events, and tournaments, Kinguin has been an integral part of the growth and development of the esports community. The company’s Esports Performance Center stands as a testament to their commitment to helping esports athletes reach their full potential. Kinguin also contributes to esports-focused charitable projects, including hosting Ukrainian esports players at the EPC and organizing boot camps and training sessions for children. Viktor Romaniuk, Founder and Chief Experience Officer at Kinguin, expresses his excitement about the partnership, saying, “Teaming up with 9INE is a natural fit for Kinguin as we share the same passion for esports. We’re eager to support 9INE’s esports journey and anticipate a fruitful partnership that will elevate both of our brands to new heights. We wish them the best of luck in the upcoming Major Championship – BLAST Paris Major 2023. We believe that their hard work and dedication will pay off, and we’re thrilled to be part of their journey towards greatness.” Kinguin and 9INE are united in their mission to create a lasting impact on the esports industry and provide exceptional experiences for their fans. This partnership is an exciting step forward in fostering a thriving esports community in Poland and beyond. About 9INE 9INE is a Esports Organization and Talent Management Company that aims to set new standards in the industry by fostering innovation and putting passion at the core of its activities. Both the team and the management have gained valuable experience in years of being active in the industry and working with the biggest brands in Esports. 9INE focus on executional excellence and its responsibility towards players, fans and sponsors has already brought it recognition in Europe. 9INE believes in a better future and is committed to create it through performance, integrity, trust and courage.
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In the modern age of technology, businesses need databases that can handle large amounts of data and adapt to changing needs. Kinguin, a leading digital marketplace for video games, found that MongoDB Atlas was the perfect solution for their dynamic environment. Kinguin's self-hosted database cluster provided a stable and easy-to-manage database solution for several years. However, as the business grew, managing the cluster became more challenging, requiring more resources and expertise. In this article, we will explore how Kinguin integrated MongoDB Atlas into their infrastructure and the benefits and challenges we experienced throughout the process.MongoDB is a highly-scalable, open-source, noSQL database which provides a flexible data-model ideal for dynamic environments like Kinguin Infrastructure. Overall, MongoDB offers a modern and flexible database solution that is designed to handle the challenges of modern applications. At Kinguin we have been using self-hosted MongoDB for a few years and it was reliable to use. But as our company got bigger, it became harder to keep the database working well and to manage all the things that used it. Some of the problems we encountered, included:Index management in self-hosted MongoDB Clusters - as it affects the performance, storage requirements, and overall efficiency of the database there are some common index management problems that can arise in self-hosted MongoDB clusters, like: Index creation and deletionIncorrect index usagePerformance issuesResource requirements and management of self-hosted MongoDBConfiguration changes We searched for a managed solution that would guarantee system safety, stability, and minimal maintenance effort, with additional support. We found MongoDB Atlas, a managed solution with professional support to help solve any issues. To prepare for a highly-scalable, geo-redundant, multi-region environment in 2023, we decided to migrate our DB clusters to MongoDB Atlas after researching several scenarios.MongoDB Atlas is a cloud-based database service provided by MongoDB. Benefits include easy scalability, robust security features, high availability with automated backups and failover, comprehensive monitoring and alerting tools, fully managed service, global coverage across major cloud providers, and flexible pricing options based on usage. It runs in the same cloud and region as our services, with real-time performance metrics and automated backups.Migrating to MongoDB Atlas was a big decision for us, but we knew it could unlock new opportunities and improve our operations. After research, we were confident it would pay off. The main benefit was access to a managed cloud database service, freeing us from server maintenance and allowing us to focus on our business.Migration OverviewAs a new service that required adoption we needed to make an initial research and carefully plan our migration strategy. This was needed in order to avoid issues such as long delays during data transfer, connection problems to new environments or any other technical issues that may arise during the migration phase.Phase 1: Planning and PreparationDefine the scope of the migration and identify the databases that need to be migrated:We had more than 50 services that were using mongo all the time and switching them off at the same time would have been quite problematic for us. That’s why we needed to research ways for doing live migration without or with minimal downtime. There are several ways available for doing the mongo cluster-to-cluster migration (Live migration using pull or push data migration techniques, mongodump or mongoexport and mongomirror). We found mongomirror to be the most flexible tool for our use case. It integrates with our pipeline, can be started on demand, and keeps the oplog sync process running for enough time to ensure a seamless migration process. That’s why we decided to use mongomirror as a tool for migrating service by service to Atlas.Keeping the data as close to the services as possible. MongoDB provides multicloud support that also runs on VPC peering. This allowed seamless communication between our microservices and mongo clusters with less than 10ms latency.VPC peering along with the speed benefits, provided us with the security needed for running our clusters on private networks with fully governed access.After transferring our non-production data and fully testing our migration patterns we defined a timeline and schedule for the migration process.Reference Architecture of our network Phase 2: Migration ProcessMigrating from a self-hosted MongoDB cluster to MongoDB Atlas using the mongomirror tool can be a complex process, and there are several potential issues that can arise. Here are some common problems that we encountered during the migration process:Connectivity issues: The mongomirror tool relies on a stable network connection between the source and destination clusters. If there are network issues or connectivity problems, it can result in data loss or corruption. It is important to ensure that the network connection is stable and to monitor the progress of the migration closely.To solve this problem we were relying on the underlying cloud infrastructure, which provided us with the necessary reliability to complete the transfer with no connectivity issues.Resource utilization: The mongomirror tool can be resource-intensive, particularly during the initial sync process. However with careful planning and testing we were able to find the necessary balance needed for the amount of resources to allocate for our mongomirror jobs.Security concerns: Migrating data from a self-hosted MongoDB cluster to MongoDB Atlas involves transferring sensitive data over the internet. It is important to ensure that the data is encrypted during transit and that the destination cluster has adequate security measures in place to protect the data. Fortunately we had our private VPC peering connection, so the risk factor here was non-existent.Index creation and build on target clusters: This was one of the issues that we have faced during our mongo migration pipeline. The fact that bigger collections with large indices required almost the same amount of time and sometimes longer than the actual db copy. When the mongomirror performs the sync, it is done in a hybrid manner whereas an individual index build submitted follows the specific MongoDB version.MongoDB 4.2 index builds obtain an exclusive lock on only the collection being indexed during the start and end of the build process to protect metadata changes. The rest of the build process uses the yielding behavior of background index builds to maximize read-write access to the collection during the build. 4.2 index builds still produce efficient index data structures despite the more permissive locking behavior.With some careful planning and maintenance window we were actually able to mitigate that risk and index creation didn’t cause issues during the migration process. Phase 3: Testing and ValidationAfter initial migration to each service we were able to test how connection works, thanks to our approach and automated tooling that we built were able to select, transfer and in case of an issue rollback to previous cluster every single database.Post-migrationAfter migration we were able to fully benefit for all features that Mongo Atlas provides for better overview of our service usage:Performance Advisor:Profiler:Real time performance monitor:After transfer we were able to see graphs like this one showing the boost of performance power:ConclusionsThe migration process required careful planning, preparation, and execution to ensure a successful transition to the new infrastructure. By following this plan and leveraging the available resources and support, we minimized the downtime and disruption to our operations and ensured the availability and performance of our applications during the migration process and now we are happy Atlas users.Author: Infrastructure Team
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Whether you’re new to the world of gaming, or a veteran of the trade, everyone is always on the lookout to find the cheapest solution to getting their hands on their favourite gaming goods. Attention, sellers! Are you tired of juggling multiple sources to stay up-to-date with product prices? Struggling to outpace your competitors? We have exciting news for you! Our team at Kinguin has developed a new offer tab designed to streamline your sales, making your life easier and more efficient.Current lowest price visibility: Easily see the most competitive price for each product, enabling informed pricing decisions.Improved sales data presentation: Grouped data provides a clearer picture of your performance, facilitating better decision-making.One-click wholesale offer access: Quickly view and purchase the best available wholesale offers for your products.Integrated restock button: Conveniently restock offers directly from the offer tab, saving time and streamlining the process.Mass key download: Download all keys related to wholesale purchases in one file, directly from the success page, with an option to add them automatically to the offer. Take a look at our latest video showcasing the amazing new functionalities of our "Offer" tab:https://blog.kinguin.net/new-offer-tab-streamlining-your-sales With this revamped design, you'll gain deeper insights into your product offerings. You can now see the current lowest price for any product, empowering you to make informed decisions regarding your pricing strategy. This feature will help you stay competitive and boost your chances of making a sale.The new offer tab also enhances the visibility of your sales data. By grouping this information, we provide a clearer picture of your performance, enabling you to make smarter decisions about restocking and pricing. One of the most significant features of the updated offer tab is the integrated restock button. You can now restock your offers directly from the offer tab, eliminating the need to navigate through other pages or menus. In just one click, you'll be able to view the best available wholesale offer for your product, and easily purchase the necessary stock to restock your current offer, keeping it current and competitive.Additionally, we're thrilled to announce that sellers can now download all keys related to their wholesale purchases in a single, mass download straight from the success page. What is even more important is that each seller can now add stock directly from the Inventory tab. These added convenience saves time and effort, allowing you to access your purchase information quickly and efficiently.
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Today marks one year since Russia's armed attack on Ukraine, and it is a somber reminder that the war is not over yet. It is a situation that cannot be forgotten. As a year ago, so today - the support is very much needed. On this occasion, we want to highlight Kinguiners, common people, who stood up and simply started helping. We look up to them and want to encourage all who can to follow their footsteps. Viktor Romaniuk Wanli, the founder of Kinguin, motivated everyone and initiated the process of helping Ukraine by contacting NAVI, an esport organization from Ukraine, inviting them to stay in Poland. He also posted on his LinkedIn and initiated an open-door policy to utilize Kinguin physical locations to help people from Ukraine. He was openly engaged in discussions and openly advocated support for Ukraine, including an interview with Esports Insider.Paweł Książek, Paweł Żukowski, Anna Mączko and the entire EPC crew support the Ukrainian esport community and their families. Kinguin Esports Performance Center in Warsaw is open free of charge for any Ukrainian pro-players and their families. Up to date, we have hosted over 30 people, and some of them are still with us, as long as their situation requires. Paweł Książek was also engaged in interviews about Ukrainian support with The Washington Post, Le Monde, or Onet.Kuba Lang, Michał Kaczmarek, and Antek Rybiński from the OGDM ‘From the Border to the Flat’ foundation are working closely with Kinguin to help Ukrainians. Kinguin offered OGDM headquarters for the foundation as well as 24/7 coordination centers to match the request between drivers and border crossings. The foundation has so far transported over 77,000 Ukrainian people, secured over 3,000 accommodations all over Poland, and linked 12,000 people offering their flats. OGDM together with Kinguin organized charity donations and concerts supporting Ukraine.Anna Palowicz worked with the Foundation for Transplantation by organizing the purchase and transport of medicines for the Ukrainian hospital in Krzywy Rog and the hospital in Lviv. She also supported the city of Przemyśl in contacting brands that delivered necessities, such as water and coffee, to the border with Ukraine. Thanks to Kinguin's support, they were able to help with transport and provide shelter.Mariusz Jagodziński was helping territorial defense forces in Sumy, by organizing medical supplies and elements of winter equipment and clothing. Mariusz was able to obtain over 100 different pieces of specialist equipment.Anna Kalota, Natalia Szepelowska, and Przemysław Padrak were engaged in helping Ukrainian families in Poznań, securing accommodation for them in the Kinguin office for several months.Moreover, the majority of Kinguiners made individual donations to different charities supporting Ukraine. Kinguin employees were also hosting Ukrainian refugees at their homes and have taken to helping them with critical errands like getting a local SIM card and renting a car.Despite all the above-mentioned initiatives, support is still needed for those affected by the ongoing conflict. The war in Ukraine is far from over, and the Ukrainian people still require support. Kinguin wants to highlight some notable organizations that are still supporting Ukrainian people, including: OGDM donation, The Ukrainian Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Voices of Children and Future for Ukraine.
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Kinguin is a pioneering global gaming marketplace, which recently surpassed 15 million registered customers with over 150,000 digital product offers on the platform. Kinguin has experienced immense growth in the last few years, doubling or even tripling its key business indicators. We sat down with Adam Gruda, newly named Partner and Chief Operations Officer at Kinguin, to discuss the evolution of the company as well as its future directions. Adam has worked for Kinguin from the very beginning, almost 13 years now. He has gained valuable experience and expertise in various aspects of the company over the years to be able to take on more complex and strategic projects, as well as to take on leadership roles, to effectively manage teams, develop and execute strategies and drive growth. He is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company, developing and implementing strategies that help Kinguin achieve its short and long term goals. To be more specific:Ensuring that the company's overall strategic vision is implemented effectively, with a specific focus on revenue aspects.Leading the development and implementation of operational plans and strategies to achieve the company's financial targets and revenue growth goals.Coordinating with the executive team to identify new business opportunities, develop strategies for pursuing those opportunities, and monitor progress toward achieving them.Overseeing the daily operations of the company to ensure efficient and effective performance across all departments.Collaborating with the CEO and other senior leaders to establish key performance indicators, track progress, and report on the company's overall performance.The evolution of KinguinThe last couple of years were particularly successful for the company and Kinguin has made a major leap to become one of the leading ecommerce businesses worldwide. Kinguin has undergone significant changes in its business model, driven by evolving fast-paced market conditions and changing customer demands. Kinguin has taken several steps to expand its business and improve customer experience. These include diversifying its product offerings, which now extend beyond video games to include software, virtual reality gear, NFTs, and other digital products. Over the past decade, Kinguin has established 150,000 offers and 60,000 unique products. Another significant move has been the expansion of sales channels, including partnerships with other online marketplaces. The API has played a key role in driving this growth. Additionally, Kinguin has prioritized providing an exceptional customer experience, with improvements to its website and customer support services. The future of KinguinAs the new COO of Kinguin, Adam and the Board, identified five pillars that will shape the company's growth and set Kinguin apart as a leading digital entertainment platform.The first pillar is Kinguin API, which we believe is the world's most open. We designed it to provide maximum transparency and accessibility to products and services, empowering developers, merchants, and users alike to unlock the full potential of our platform.Our second pillar is our foray into games publishing. Our strategy to expand its presence in the gaming development space is multifaceted, and it includes a range of initiatives that are designed to capture a larger share of the market. By adopting a vertical integration approach, creating a launchpad, developing its own games, and creating great content pieces, Kinguin hopes to appeal to a wide range of audiences and cement its position as a major player in the gaming industry. It is worth highlighting our recent accomplishment with the Roblox gaming experience. Our team has developed a game within the Roblox ecosystem that provides fun and interactive entertainment for thousands of users.Our third pillar is our commitment to being the world's most open employer. We believe in creating an inclusive and supportive work environment that values diversity and encourages open communication and collaboration among Kinguiners.Our fourth pillar is our focus on providing the best possible user experience. We believe in simplicity, consistency, and functionality, and we strive to offer a seamless experience for users on our platform. We plan to continue investing in innovation, particularly in AI and machine learning, to improve internal operations and customer experience. Finally, our fifth pillar is our commitment to being the best platform for merchants and customers. We aim to provide a great onboarding experience for both wholesale and retail partners, advanced stats and insights, and seamless management of accounts and inventory anytime and anywhere. As part of the company's strategy, product diversification and an attractive product portfolio are key elements. The goal is to expand into new product categories such as streaming services (e.g. Netflix or Disney Plus), clothing (e.g. Zalando), transportation (e.g. Uber), cloud gaming (via Nware gift cards), telecommunications (e.g. Vodafone or T-Mobile top-ups), in-game economy (e.g. Minecraft, Roblox, CS:GO, Fortnite) or e-money vouchers (e.g. Neosurf, JetonCash, AstroPay). This wide range of products will allow for growth and make Kinguin more attractive to different customer segments.In summary, our five pillars reflect Kinguin's commitment to providing the best services to our users, merchants, and Kinguiners. Kinguin's ambition is to become the most open digital playground while also remaining adaptable and innovative in the face of changing market dynamics. By remaining focused on customer needs and preferences and continuing to evolve its business model and offerings, Kinguin is well positioned to achieve its ambitious goals and continue to be a major player in the market of digital goods.
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Whether you’re new to the world of gaming, or a veteran of the trade, everyone is always on the lookout to find the cheapest solution to getting their hands on their favourite gaming goods.While buying products from the high street hasn’t completely died off, many now turn to the internet to buy their products and digitally savvy gamers are no different. That’s where Kinguin steps in. Kinguin is an online platform that allows new and old gamers alike to purchase everything they need to enjoy gaming safely. If you’ve never heard of Kinguin, or if you’ve come across our name a few times before in the past and want to know more, we’re here to outline exactly who we are and what makes us a safe place to purchase game keys from, so you can start using our website and continue enjoying gaming at a lower cost. What Is Kinguin?To understand whether Kinguin is safe, first there needs to be an understanding of what Kinguin is and what it isn’t. Kinguin is an online, digital marketplace. We allow distributors from all over the globe, from Poland, to the U.S., and all the way to Australia, to offer their products to our 15 million Kinguin customers.People may view us in a similar way to how they view the likes of online platforms like eBay and Amazon. These trusted platforms also use distributors to offer their stock, without the need for those businesses to pay an extortionate amount for designing and maintaining a website.Kinguin is not, however, a reseller or seller itself. Are these distributors legit? Any distributor that wants to sell products through Kinguin needs to go through our multi-level verification process. Provided they meet our criteria, we allow them to sell their products through the Kinguin website. These distributors pay taxes and comply with relevant laws on the selling and distribution of goods in the countries they operate. Digital products that are sold at Kinguin are already bought from developers or publishers by their wholesale and retail partners, which then distribute them through their own networks. They buy it in bulk and that way they can negotiate prices. You can read more about the distribution process of game keys in our previous article. What If I purchase a product from a registered distributor on Kinguin and it doesn’t work? Your code will be replaced or you get your money back. Simply contact our customer support via the Kinguin website and we’ll investigate the issue for you. We’ll also look more closely at why the product doesn’t work and if necessary, we’ll ban the distributor from using the Kinguin website to sell its product.It’s also worth pointing out that it’s very uncommon for products purchased via Kinguin not to work, with only 0.4% of total purchases on Kinguin in 2022 being reported with issues. All of these products were either replaced or refunded. What do others say about Kinguin?Trustpilot.com, an open review platform that allows users to review their experience of any website on the internet, gives Kinguin a 4.4 / 5 trust rating, with over 44,000 reviews in total. To put that into perspective, eBay currently has a Trustpilot rating of 1.4 / 5 while Amazon has a Trustpilot rating of 1.7 / 5. Independent reviews of Kinguin have also been carried out by media outlets, including Citizens Journal, All Tech Buzz or SoftoCoupon, which described Kinguin as: “a safe website to buy from”.So, in conclusion, is Kinguin legit and a safe site? Kinguin is definitely a trusted platform and legitimate website that many customers use to purchase their products cheaply. Company operates on the market for over 10 years and has over 15 million global registered users. Almost all those that use Kinguin have a positive experience and do so without any issues whatsoever. For those that do run into issues, Kinguin offers them the best-in-class customer service offering to investigate the issue and refund them as quickly as possible.
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In 2023, companies are undergoing major structural changes as they navigate the new business environment. The pandemic has forced organizations to rethink their traditional hierarchical structures and find more agile and flexible ways of operating. As a result, many companies are flattening their organizational charts and empowering their employees to make decisions and drive innovation. The shift towards remote work has also made it possible for companies to tap into a global talent pool, leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Additionally, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of cross-functional collaboration, leading to the creation of more cross-functional teams and breaking down departmental silos. These structural changes are aimed at improving efficiency, promoting innovation, and better serving the needs of customers.The start of 2023 has been no different for Kinguin with the arrival of numerous new team members and important changes to departmental operations. For an organization like Kinguin, having nearly 300 employees, such changes occur every few years. We spoke to Viktor, our Founder about this new structure and overall direction of the company in 2023. Viktor Romaniuk Wanli, Founder of Kinguin said:I am thrilled to announce that Robert Kalbarczyk will continue to serve as our CEO until the end of July 2023 and I am also proud to welcome Adam Gruda as our new Chief Operations Officer (COO). This marks a new chapter in our company’s growth, and we are confident that our renewed leadership will drive us towards continued success.At Kinguin, our mission has always been to make gaming accessible and inclusive for everyone. Our vision is to become the world's most open digital entertainment playground, and we are proud to be leading the charge in making that vision a reality. Our values of impact, care, and passion are at the heart of everything we do, and I am proud to say that our team embodies these values every day.With Robert and Adam at the helm, I am confident that we will continue to execute our mission with passion, care and impact. Their dedication to our company and our customers is unparalleled, and I have no doubt that their leadership will be instrumental in our continued success.Starting February 1st, we are also introducing a new company structure, as outlined in the attached chart. This new structure will allow us to more effectively execute our mission and continue to grow as a company.In closing, I want to express my deep gratitude for all of our Kinguiners and for the tremendous impact you have had on our company. I am confident that, together, we will continue to make gaming accessible and inclusive for everyone, and I look forward to what the future holds for Kinguin.Best regards,Viktor Romaniuk Wanli, Founder of Kinguin
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Kinguin has evolved, diversified and adapted to the ever changing economy as it celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2023. Business evolution is an ever changing challenge, and the company has managed to master its methods in keeping up with the current times. Łukasz Piechowski, Chief Business Support Officer, has worked alongside Kinguin for the last few years, and has led the company into a new era of growth. His team are the masterminds behind some of Kinguin’s flagship projects that have led to tremendous growth. We spoke to Łukasz about how his team has had to adapt over the last few years, potential growth points and how he goes about his role and responsibilities at Kinguin. Łukasz started working with Kinguin almost 5 years ago, and has seen the company grow and change many times over his career. Originally, he hadn’t worked in the gaming and ecommerce industry, but with a passion of playing games and being a completionist. He grew a habit of finishing things through to the end, no matter how difficult and complex they are. He began his cooperation with Kinguin working on the Kinguin Esports Lounge (KEL), where he oversaw the development, design, finance and all other logistical aspects of the project. The KEL is one of Kinguin’s oldest ventures, and has been self-sufficient since its inception - including during the global pandemic. Over the last few years, the business support team at Kinguin has grown into a bigger organism inside the organisation. The goal is to make Kinguin grow quickly, sustainably and in new directions. The team is experienced in all tools of the trade, from vendor management and compliance, to the implementation of payment solutions.These areas are of great importance to Kinguin, with the payments team, one of the fastest growing units, plays an important part in Kinguin’s roadmap to deliver customers and merchants more tailored solutions. If Kinguin has introduced a solution, Łukasz’s teams have most likely been involved. In a similar fashion to bamboo, each project has to grow from the ground up, ensuring the foundation is as secure as possible being key for fast growth.Growth hacking is a term defining the rapid growth of a company, that isn’t taken lightly at Kinguin, and can be seen in full force when looking at the organisation’s growth. Engineering creativity, data and the required technology and tools to each project ensure a tailored solution to each and every challenge. A great example of this is the transformation of the business intelligence department, now renamed to Data and Analytics. The first step was creating a data warehouse, and enforcing company-wide infrastructure that would be able to manage a high load of data simultaneously. From this, tools were then utilised to ensure Kinguin could extract and analyse the integrated data flow and gain significant learnings to increase growth. Looking deeper into this growth, a new tool that has emerged and taken the world by force, is AI. It makes data analysis faster, more efficient, and grants Kinguin to produce accurate and detailed business forecasts. Implementing this, will also assist the company in being more agile and efficient. When the global pandemic gripped every industry worldwide a few years ago, Kinguin had to adapt quickly. Having this newfound corporate agility, the company was able to face the times head on. This flexibility allowed Kinguin to expand into a variety of internal improvements, including new training programs and expanded wellbeing schemes for employees. These had lasting effects on the overall company culture and workplace happiness whilst also succeeding in overcoming the business challenge.Kinguin identifies areas of improvement and actions them with a tailor made solution. The business support team's goal when approaching one of these areas is to, rather than find the locked door, look for a window. When this window of opportunity doesn’t exist, one needs to be created through innovation. These gaps are found through data analysis, compliance analysing framework of legal and operational compliance across all the regions we operate in, that has not only made them easier to locate, but easier to take action against as well. Kinguin is already a visionary leader, but to take that next step, the company needs to face each and every challenge with the right attitude and the right people. Shifting away from looking over project management, the company is focused on continuous growth and through that, an expansion of its workforce is required. It’s an ongoing process of implementing these changes, and with this wide array of people tackling this challenge, the variety of skills and experience in the team help make it a seamless process. There is a massive demand for change management solutions within the business that are required due to the company’s rapid growth, and Kinguin aims to meet this demand through a capable and burgeoning team of experienced project managers.10 years ago, Kinguin took the first step into the unknown and kick-started the industry. The fact that the company is a pioneer in the field, shows that these transformations have lasting effects not only on the business, but for our customers as well. The gaming industry is expanding rapidly, and innovations are cropping up constantly, meaning Kinguin need to keep digging and navigating into uncharted territory to stay ahead. Innovation is key, and with Kinguin’s ingenuity and goal driven mindset, we are focused on the future.
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Kinguin now offers over 150,000 products from games, in-game content, gift cards, software, to NFTsElden Ring, FIFA 23 and God of War tops the list of games sold in 2022Over the last 12 months, there have been 9.2m transactions on Kinguin’s marketplace, a 168% increase in the last 2 years69.4% of registered accounts belong to 18-34-year-oldsKinguin, the world’s first digital marketplace has today revealed its latest milestone of serving 15 million registered users on the platform worldwide, an increase of 50% since the end of 2020. The milestone is a reflection of the demand for players to purchase digitally and is signified by growth to over 150,000 digital offerings on the Kinguin digital and NFT marketplace.To celebrate the announcement of 15 million registered users, Kinguin has revealed insights into user preferences including:The top selling games of 2022 on the platform in order, led by; Elden Ring, FIFA 23, God of War, Ready or Not and Total War Warhammer III Location of users include 21.5% in Germany and 15.9% from USA with over 60% of total users from EuropeThe largest age group on the platform are 18-24 with registered users in this category equalling 42.4%, 27.0% between 25-34, 14.9% between 35-44 and 15.7% 45 and over.Data analytics from Newzoo via GI.biz for 2022 has revealed that total market revenues of digital games hit 94.2% compared to physical boxed products at 5.8% highlighting the importance of digital marketplaces in the gaming industry.Kinguin continues its exponential growth having launched its NFT marketplace in May 2022 and launched the first ever esports tournament bringing back legendary pro-players, Kinguin Legends. Kinguin also launched Kinguin Cares to support esports players and their families affected by the war in Ukraine, offering accommodation to Ukrainians and their families free of charge at the Kinguin Esports Performance Center (EPC) in Warsaw. To date, it has hosted almost 30 people, and its doors are still open to Ukrainian people in need of support.Robert Kalbarczyk, Chief Executive Officer at Kinguin said: “I would like to thank all our users around the world for their constant trust in Kinguin. 15 million milestone is amazing, especially with the 50% increase in users globally since 2021. That proves that our business is going in the right direction. Our vision is to be the world’s most open digital entertainment playground where everybody plays, and we truly mean it."For more information, please visit www.kinguin.net
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In 2022, 66 bootcamps and 20 special events were held at the Kinguin Esports Performance Center in Warsaw - the state-of-the-art esports training center for players and teams in Europe. Kinguin EPC is where the best teams in the world train to prepare for tournaments across key esports titles including Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, Dota 2, FIFA, Rocket League, Fortnite, VALORANT and Rainbow Six: Siege. 2022 in numbers:- Number of bootcamps: 66- Number of events: 20- Longest stays: Misfits Premier - 116 days, X7 - 88 days- The largest bootcamp: Seven Goats - 25 people- Guests who visited EPC the most: Anonymo (6 bootcamps), Imperial (5), NAVI Javelins (4)2022 was a thrilling year at the Kinguin Esports Performance Center being used by leading teams including;;Tundra Esports players, who in the following months won The Dota 2 International and FaZe Clan - winners of Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2022. The center was also visited by teams such as Imperial, Renegades, Team Falcons, MOUZ, AGO, OG, TYLOO, MIBR, NAVI, SKADE, Acend, Wisła Kraków, Anonymo, Excel, Exeed, TSM and Pasha Gaming Camp.Head of Kinguin Esports Performance Center, Paweł Książek stated: “The Kinguin Esports Performance Center was created with the best teams in the world in mind and last year showed the importance of the EPC to esports players and teams. It is an honor to host some of the biggest esports teams and legends including the winners of the most prestigious tournaments.”Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Kinguin has been actively helping people affected by the conflict. The Kinguin Esports Performance Center is open to all Ukrainian esports players and their families free of charge. To date, it has hosted almost 30 people, and its doors are still open to Ukrainian people in need of support.Kinguin EPC hosted 20 industry events in 2022 including;. SkillFactor, a talent show where young esports players competed against each other in CS:GO, Deluxe Ski Jump 2 tournament powered by Rockstar Energy Drinks, Esports Skills Camp, modern gaming colonies and practical classes in esports for the University of Physical Culture and Tourism in Pruszków. Other key events include; Intel Overclocking Masters, journalistic competitions in spinning processors, as well as broadcasts from Kinguin Legends, the world's first tournament featuring the biggest stars in the history of the CS:GO scene.
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Considering Kinguin is one of the largest online gaming marketplaces in the world, there is one key factor that has to be perfect - and that is the customer experience. Giovanni Varriale, Chief Product Officer, and his team have a key role in making sure that not only existing users are comfortable on the platform, but also that new customers are welcomed to a site that they can trust. We sat down with Giovanni and discussed the role, the importance of user experience and some key talking points around this topic - with the goal of getting an insight into how Kinguin adapts and evolves to meet the needs of the consumer. Giovanni is one of the most experienced Kinguiners in terms of his career at the organisation, having worked for Kinguin for 9 years. As the former Chief Marketing Officer and with experience in esports and gaming, he is able to call upon a wealth of knowledge that can help him make tough and informed decisions that benefit the user. His current role as Chief Product Officer entails overseeing all the products that Kinguin offers. This role is a mix of business, as well as development needs and requires multiple teams within the department to carry out the tasks effectively. Kinguin’s product team focuses on two main users when it comes to user experience, the B2C buyer, and the B2B seller. These two users have different needs and require different resources. One of the biggest factors when it comes to this work is that the needs are always bigger than the available resources. The overall platform framework for example, is inherently different for each user; with different features, design choices and integrations. Giovanni and his team need to navigate these needs, and find a way to solve the problem effectively in a way which benefits the target user.These issues must be overcome with innovation, as in the ecommerce industry, the user experience is key and is the main commodity. It’s the reason why people purchase and sell goods on their preferred platform. Do you require an account? Is the purchasing/selling process easy to understand? Are the goods/services easy to find on the website? Where do you place the login prompt during the purchasing process? All of these questions must be researched extensively to ensure that the approach that they take is the most effective one. To gather the information they need to make informed decisions, Giovanni and his team use analytical tools such as heatmaps with Hotjar, surveying, Google Recommendation AI and other CRM tools such as Synerise to track user behaviour and any trends on the platform. These external solutions allow Kinguin to identify key areas that can be improved upon, and make decisions on how to make it more efficient for the user. This efficiency is built through a well designed UI/UX - and Kinguin wants to make it so that users don’t have to think twice when it comes to using their platform. The more natural it feels to use the platform, the higher the customer retention. One of the tailored approaches and improvements the product team made is the master product page. It allows B2C users to easily find all content and editions of a title in one, easy-to-navigate webpage. For some titles, which have 20+ additional content packages, this feature is key for buyers, enabling them to find exactly what they want with ease. To implement this, the team not only had to research the UI and what the best way to present the goods was, but also how to adjust the back-end database to ensure that the filters and search function would operate correctly, whilst the system accurately locates and lists the correct products.Looking to the future, the world of potential products and the experience surrounding them at Kinguin seems to be expansive. Whether that be an increase in the ease of access for sellers to use Kinguin’s marketplace to promote and distribute their goods, or the introduction of Web 3.0, NFTs and Cryptocurrency. Giovanni and his team will be crafting a tailored approach to ensuring that the users are happy to use the platform.
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During Black Friday Weekend we had an in-store activation with our partner CCC – a fashion company from Poland. There was a Black Friday ‘Week’ Booth in front of some CCC stores, which allowed customers to win special prizes. Kinguin provided vouchers and mascots for the winners. The activation was also supported by a dozen local influencers and was published by the local fashion media. Kinguin hit 100.000 transactions completed during Black Friday Weekend. The number, although wildly successful, brought a few challenges to our Customer Support and IT departments, due to high traffic on the platform. The teams managed it smoothly to ensure a top-notch customer experience with our brand. This is not the first time Kinguin has partnered with CCC. During the summer holidays Kinguin was supporting a gaming initiative from CCC. As part of the Game Garage Playoffs campaign, CCC invited all Club Members to meetings with well-known influencers. Gaming meetings took place in the 8 largest cities of Poland, attended by their brand ambassadors: rapper Smolasty, Kinga Sawczuk, Kaluch and gaming influencers such as: Junajted, Makito, Jcob, Izaak, Aquel, Nervarien or Lach. The activation was concluded with a Back-to-School event organized on the 9th of November. There were several gaming tournaments and a special concert by Smolasty.
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With Kinguin having a large international presence, the approach to marketing has to be tailored and thought out to ensure it encapsulates as many potential users as possible. This, paired with the fact that for Kinguin, marketing is one of the key building blocks to growth with the marketing team constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve their solutions. Valentin Houssais, Kinguin’s Chief Marketing Officer, and his team have been building a strong foundation for Kinguin to excel and are looking to the future for continuous growth.We took some time to discuss what marketing is for Kinguin, and how Valentin and his team not only surpass expectations, but how they deliver an effective marketing solution for Kinguin to succeed.Valentin has worked at Kinguin for over four years and with a refined international background and experience working in seven countries as of today, he’s well aware of the differences in cultures, personalities and industries. His role at Kinguin as the Chief Marketing Officer, and with experience in branding, esports, marketing and leadership, has brought his own spin to the marketing activities at Kinguin. He has been able to adapt his role to fit what was needed, and has become a facilitator for his team to learn and grow alongside him.As Kinguin is an e-commerce platform, marketing is key for the business to grow, and it’s also where the magic happens. Performance marketing is the foundation of Kinguin’s outreach - in a similar fashion to how a house needs a foundation before you can start building upwards. This year has been all about performance marketing and how the business can bring new users to the marketplace and help the platform grow. Once this foundation has been solidified, Valentin and his team can then dive into other methods of marketing - these include but aren’t limited to influencer outreach, social media, campaigns, events and much more. Kinguin has applied a variety of different solutions in the past with resounding success, and this arsenal is able to be called upon depending on what is most beneficial for the project.Kinguin operates in a massive international market, and has had to adjust accordingly when performing marketing campaigns. Valentin’s past experiences play a key role in being able to carry out bespoke initiatives that are suitable for each target audience. He ensures that the focus is on the different cultures and personalities present in the audience and their regional interests. One solution Valentin and his team are looking into is tailored solutions, for example, if you’re an avid PlayStation fan, you wouldn’t benefit from seeing Xbox advertisements. These areas the team are addressing will offer customers a bespoke solution that can involve local influencers and affiliations, and always focus on the convenience and satisfaction of the users in that region. When working towards new B2B partnerships, Valentin works alongside Partner & Chief of Business Development, David Yarnton and the business team at Kinguin. Over the last few years, Kinguin has bolstered their marketing expertise with brands such as PayPal, Revolut, Huawei and many more well known global brands. The current goal for 2023 is for Kinguin to carry out a global campaign that uses partnerships across the globe to help grow and nurture the business. Diving even further into the future goals of what Valentin is looking towards, Kinguin is looking at a soft rebrand, which will open lots of new opportunities and will allow new approaches to activations. This lands perfectly with the upcoming 10 year anniversary of Kinguin in 2023. With the success of Kinguin Legends, the team at Kinguin have been inspired and have exciting plans for the future. The team will also be focusing on improving the user experience, and in doing so, supporting gamers to have a great experience. There are no limits when it comes to the gaming community, and Kinguin are looking to support as many avid gamers as possible. With the variability of the global economy, everything is evolving at a rapid pace - this includes marketing. Kinguin are having to carry out more tailored and custom solutions than ever before, and it’s exciting to see, whether that be for NFTs, the Kinguinverse or so much more. These approaches can’t be taken lightly and the team at Kinguin knows this. With Valentin’s experience and skill set along with his divergent team, Kinguin can develop solutions and ensure that the foundations are built and the company is building upwards.
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Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling will for the first time ever introduce women, with stars including Xia Brookside, Myla Grace and Diana StrongKinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ will feature global wrestling stars including; Santino Marella, Joe Hendry, Matt Sydal and Trent SevenThe event will be broadcasted on DAZN, FITE, Wp.pl, Twitch, YouTube, and moreWarsaw, Poland, 24th November - Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling has today revealed details of its third show - Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling #3 ‘Legends’ which will take place in the Polish capital, Warsaw. Wrestling fans, who tune into the event, will be treated to thrilling fights from wrestling stars all over the world, including Xia Brookside, Myla Grace, Diana Strong, Santino Marella, Joe Hendry, Matt Sydal, Samuray Del Sol and Trent Seven. Fans can also attend live with ticket prices starting at 70 PLN (~ €13), and available to purchase online.The last Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling event, ‘ Ryucon’ was held in Krakow, Poland in July bringing widespread attention from the global wrestling community and continues forward to Poland’s capital city, Warsaw. You can expect more electrifying fights with three female superstars; Xia Brookside, Myla Grace and Diana Strong joining Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ for the first time in its history!Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ promises to be enthralling and offers viewers a tantalising event full of exciting fights with a No DQ Match featuring Axel Fox vs. Justin Joy, a Last Man Standing Match with “Starboy” Nano Lopez vs. Sinister and the main event of Samuray Del Sol vs Matt Sydal. To build up hype ahead of the event, on Friday, Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ contract signing ceremony takes place, during which the players will meet for the first time, sign the contract and start the face off which will be livestreamed to build up tension before the big day! You can find an exciting sneak peak of the gala with the upcoming trailer here.The event will also feature commentary in both Polish and English, with Arek Paterek, Lukasz Balinski and Piotr Malecki with guest commentators Pawel Borkowski and Polish wrestler and silver Olympic medalist of 1980, Andrew Supron. English commentators include legend Santino Marella, who was both the fighter and commentator in previous Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling editions, and Lewis Costello, a popular stand-up comedian and commentator.Arkadiusz Pan Pawłowski, Founder of Prime Time Wrestling said: “Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling is a dream come true for the performers, but most importantly the audience that loves sports entertainment in its purest form. Being a Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling fan doesn't mean just watching the show unfold but getting fully involved and becoming part of the experience!.Robert Kalbarczyk, Chief Executive Officer at Kinguin said: “We’re delighted to co-organise Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ for the third time in its impressive history. Wrestling was perceived as a niche sport in recent years, but with such events we hope to bring it to life here in Europe. We can’t wait to give the audience and fans a rousing event!The event will be live on Saturday, November 26 at 19:00 CET in Warsaw. Tickets can be bought here. The event will also be live streamed on DAZN, FITE, Wp.pl, YouTube, Twitch and more. You can find the full fight card below:Pure Gold vs. PAKA - Tag Team MatchPrimate vs. Marty ScurllMyla Grace vs. Xia Brookside vs. Diana Strong - Triple Threat MatchJustin Joy vs. Axel Fox - NO DQ MatchDawid "Puncher" Senko vs. Robert StarTrent Seven vs. Joe Hendry - Impact Digital Media Championship MatchNano Lopez vs. Sinister - Last Man Standing MatchMatt Sydal vs. Samuray Del SolYou learn more about Prime Time Wrestling on their Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. About Prime Time WrestlingPro wrestling is a wildly exciting discipline on the borderline of sports and entertainment, a show that involves the audience in fights of unique, distinctive, and charismatic characters who fight each other to the delight of fans. Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling is an approach to create a working wrestling show model that will be full of crazy stunts, powerful throws, unpredictable twists, and the plethora of stars known not only from the Polish arenas, but also the best promotions in the world.
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Kinguin is proud to announce the launch of Kinguin Deal Hunter, a global web-browser extension to compare prices of video games. Kinguin Deal Hunter is a breakthrough solution for customers who want to buy a game at a discounted price.What is Kinguin Deal Hunter?Kinguin Deal Hunter is the web-browser extension that allows you to compare prices of video games with Kinguin’s marketplace. The extension’s main purpose is to display Kinguin offers on gaming websites including Steam, EA, Epic Games Store and also on YouTube, next to gaming videos. This way the user can easily spot bargains for their favorite games and in doing so save money.Additional functions of Kinguin Deal Hunter include syncing the users’ Steam wishlist, easy access to the current preorders available at Kinguin marketplace as well as a gaming news feed hub. Which web-browsers are supported?Kinguin Deal Hunter is supported on many Chromium based browsers including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera and Brave while also compatible with Mozilla Firefox.It is also worth to mention that Kinguin Deal Hunter is available in YouTube. You will find the deals next to gaming videos. How do I get it?You can download the extension for your favorite browser using the links below: Google Chrome, Opera, Edge, and Brave and other Chromium based browsers: LINK Mozilla Firefox: LINKThe installation is simple, requiring just a click on the “Add-to (your browser)” button.Is it safe to use?Yes, Kinguin Deal Hunter has been approved by all the above-mentioned web browsers and it is officially listed on them. The main functioning of the extension does not use any other information than that which would normally be gathered when visiting a website. Two functions use specific user data; the Steam wishlist sync (profile ID provided by the user, profile avatar and wishlist data from Steam API) and the referral ID when you follow a link to the Kinguin website via the extension. There is no other tracking used by the extension.
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Kinguin has been able to grow its audience across the globe, but with this amazing expansion, comes a major challenge - ensuring customers can pay with their desired payment solution. With the rise of new payment options cropping up simultaneously in different countries, Kinguin has to ensure all bases are covered and pull out all the stops necessary to make sure that the customer’s purchasing experience is seamless. Faheem Bakshi, Payment Lead, and his team have weaved a web that encompasses over 150+ payment solutions and are looking to expand this even further.We sat down with Faheem and discussed his role within the team, how his experiences have shaped his approach to this key challenge, and how Kinguin is looking to enhance the international customer experience across its platform.Faheem joined Kinguin in 2015 firstly as a Senior Business Analyst and then as Head of Payments, tasked with developing Kinguin as a leader in accessibility to customers through all payment means. Faheem has come from a FinTech background with a major in economics and computer science along with previous experience at Microsoft and on the stock exchange. He has been truly enveloped in the financial technology industry. These experiences are key to the role that he plays within the team and allows him to thrive and adapt in the ever changing world of payments. The Payment Lead’s role is, in simple terms, to manage the payments on Kinguin’s marketplace - but this role is far from simple. With such a large international audience, each customer needs to have the ability to securely and comfortably pay for a product with their service of choice and this is where the challenge lies. Kinguin customers range in age, location along with many more variables, and for Kinguin to ensure that each and every customer is content with the service offering their trusted payment provider. This solution is to integrate as many trusted payment solutions as possible! Kinguin currently boasts over 150 different payment methods and we are looking to expand this to 200 by the end of 2022.Comparing a customer from Argentina to a customer from South Africa, two emerging markets for Kinguin, will provide insight into how tailored the solution needs to be. When a new customer is introduced to the marketplace, no matter where they are based, they need to see a payment method that is not only favoured for their region, but is also trusted and secure; an example of this is American Express for American customers, or Klarna for Scandinavian customers. Kinguin wants to ensure that every customer has full accessibility and feels secure with their purchases on the site, while at the same time, has a wide selection of choices available to them. To find upcoming payment solutions, Faheem and his team conduct market research in local and emerging markets, which include primary and secondary research methods; whether that is customer surveys, networking at industry events or researching the community online. This research is key for Kinguin, as it ensures that the onboarding process of monitoring each solution is a success. This ongoing monitoring requires account management on each payment solution, so Faheem and his team are constantly in contact with customer support representatives across the globe to manage the many solutions effectively.With all of these wide-array of solutions in place, Faheem also has to look to the future and to new market opportunities to decide what will be key moving forward. This key is Open Banking, a direct and instant version of payment, offering endless potential and modern security solutions when compared to traditional banking. This method bypasses third party intermediaries and allows users to transfer directly to each other with the click of a button. This market is slowly growing, with Polish payment system Blik being an amazing case study of the solution in action. Currently, open baking is limited to regional operations but in the next few years, this limitation will most likely be phased out. Pairing this with the fact that banks are currently cooperating with each other on backend API solutions to make the service even more secure, we’ll most likely be seeing more of this solution in the future - and when the time comes, Faheem and his team is ready to pioneer the future at Kinguin!
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Kinguin is an industry innovator in the discovery of new business ventures in the gaming and tech industry. Entry into the metaverse will be one of their latest endeavours. The metaverse is a fascinating topic for consumers and companies alike that is continuing to grab interest from around the globe. Kinguin is looking to the future to become a pioneer in the metaverse world with the ‘Kinguinverse’. Michał Kaczmarek, Partner & Chief Metaverse Officer, is captaining this venture and looking to plant the seeds of the Kinguinverse and to help foster its growth. We met with Michał to dive into how he envisions Kinguin’s new chapter, his experience with the metaverse, what it will look like and how Kinguin will use this new platform to expand their horizons and provide users with a whole new world of experiences. Michał joined Kinguin as Partner & Chief Metaverse Officer, where his job is to enable Kinguin to prepare and adapt to the imminent adoption of the metaverse across the industry and transform the company into a pioneer in this new technological field. He has experience in the Gaming and E-commerce industries from previous successful business ventures, and is very familiar with the Metaverse. He is looking forward to combining all his experience gained up until now and apply it to the ‘Kinguinverse’. To understand the metaverse, firstly we have to define it in layman’s terms, think of it as a persistent 3-dimensional digital world, where everything is connected together, accessible by everyone and where everything runs simultaneously in the same instance. We must think about it as what it will be, rather than what it is currently. The most ideal way to think about the technological growth needed for the metaverse would be like trying to explain games such as Roblox and Fortnite to somebody in 1995. The only difference between this example and the metaverse is that we know the metaverse is inevitable.For Kinguin, the goal is to introduce a ‘Kinguinverse’, that revolves around content - in a similar fashion to how Amazon attracts customers to their new platform by using Prime Video. The most important thing for us is to ensure that it’s user friendly - allowing them to consume the content they want in the easiest possible way, within the ecosystem. We will be using cutting edge technology to provide ownership to users in one colossal, united ecosystem. Ideally, users will have a single avatar that will maintain items, achievements and progression throughout the ecosystem. The Kinguinverse will offer a wide variety of apps and games that will be launched on their own platform - with a section where creative developers can build software from within the ecosystem and users can utilise these new community tools to interact with other users. These apps will also work across various platforms, from mobile to PC, and will entice casual and professional users alike, in the hope of attracting the maximum number of viewers. We want to provide users with ownership over their personas and any items and progression they have achieved, which will have a monetary value to each and every item. The ‘Kinguinverse’ will have its own economy connected to the main marketplace, allowing users to buy, sell and trade.We want Kinguin to be at the forefront, ready to take the jump into the metaverse. We’re perfectly positioned to be the glue of the metaverse when it starts being adopted by companies outside of the gaming ecosystem. We have already launched a Kinguin NFT marketplace and have been discussing how we can further provide not only a great user experience for our users, but also help our partners to utilise our platform to propel their own businesses. We’re ensuring that we are prepared for the inevitable integration of the metaverse, and are making sure that our players and clients will be able to count on us to assist them in navigating the revolutionary future of technology and what lies beyond!
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Kinguin is today unveiling MoonPay and Magic in Kinguin’s NFT Marketplace, providing users with a new payment gateway and crypto wallet with a more secure and seamless experience. The partnership with MoonPay and Magic will further improve Kinguin’s venture into the crypto space as part of their ambitions with the Kinguinverse.MoonPay is a payment gateway that allows users to transfer money between FIAT and crypto (ETH) - users will be able to exchange FIAT directly into Ethereum native coin and bridge these assets instantly and directly to Layer 2. Part of Magic’s implementation is their crypto wallet, that is compatible with all major blockchains and is simple and easy to register with - only needing an email address and not requiring users to have any prior knowledge of cryptocurrencies. Magic’s crypto wallet is secure and non-custodial with passwordless authentication making the user experience secure and even more fluid. These two solutions are provided through the IMX blockchain infrastructure, the leading Layer 2 infrastructure built on Ethereum and allowing users to buy and sell NFTs. Kinguin’s use of the IMX infrastructure will provide a decentralised marketplace, ensuring that users have no further fees on their transactions. The IMX infrastructure offers a carbon neutral marketplace supporting global decarbonisation goals. “Kinguin is constantly looking for solutions to bring closer and facilitate users to the subject of NFTs. Our recent partnership with IMX and the ongoing integration of top, proven and professional solutions on the market such as MoonPay and Magic will allow all users to take full advantage of the NFT marketplace. I am absolutely thrilled about allowing non-crypto users the possibility to jump into the NFT world without technical limitations compromising their exploration of technology of the future.” said Joanna Krupińska NFT Product Owner at Kinguin. About MoonPayMoonPay is a financial technology company that builds payments infrastructure for crypto. Its on-and-off-ramp suite of products provides a seamless experience for converting between fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies using all major payment methods including debit and credit cards, local bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. MoonPay is active in more than 160 countries and is trusted by 250+ leading wallets, websites, and applications to accept payments and defeat fraud.For more information visit: https://www.moonpay.com/ About Magic LabsFounded in 2018, Magic Labs, formerly known as Fortmatic, is a Silicon Valley based tech start-up that specialises in passwordless authentication and private key management. Web2 and Web3 applications powered by Magic are being used by millions of users worldwide. Magic’s mission is to safeguard the trust between users and internet services by establishing secure and authentic digital identity. In addition to offering enterprise-grade security, Magic has received SOC 2 Type 2, GDPR and CCPA compliance certificates. Magic is backed by top VCs, such as Tiger Global, Northzone, Lightspeed Ventures, Social Capital, etc. as well as renowned angel investors, such as Alexis Ohanian (co-founder of Reddit), Balaji Srinivasan (ex-CTO at Coinbase), Naval Ravikant (co-founder of AngelList), Jason Warner (CTO of GitHub), Ryan Hoover (Founder of Product Hunt) and more.Follow Magic at www.magic.link, Twitter, Discord, LinkedIn, YouTube.
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Kinguin is one of the biggest gaming ecommerce markets in the world, with over 95,000 games and software products available on its website. Artur Żarko is Kinguin’s VP of Commercial and together with his team he is building long-term international partnerships with ecommerce businesses’ across the globe, ensuring that Kinguin is able to supply and sell its products in a wide range of international markets. It is through these partnerships that Kinguin is able to create strong supply chain networks for the digital goods on its platform, opening up revenue streams and further expanding access to promising markets. We sat down with Artur to discuss how Kinguin uses innovative API integrations to its advantage and how his team uses traditional relationships building methods to ensure that Kinguin is able to onboard and retain clients for the long-term.Something that I’m incredibly proud of at Kinguin is the sheer volume of choice that we offer to our customers. We stock an incredible variety of products and are always looking for ways to innovate and expand our offerings, such as bringing our clients cutting-edge options that they can use to populate their own storefronts. This is one of the many reasons that we’ve been able to build such a strong international network of partners, improving our distribution networks and greatly improving our revenue streams. It is absolutely critical for Kinguin that we onboard and retain as many partner businesses as we can, and whilst our product portfolio is able to give us a significant advantage, my team and I believe that a key factor in securing business is through fostering relationships - both offline and online. By taking the time to meet our partners in person, we are able to build relationships founded in mutual trust and respect, allowing us to better illustrate the strengths of our distribution channels and better understand customer needs. We are able to follow this up with industry leading customer support channels, ensuring that our partners are able to receive online help and counsel when dealing with any of our products that they use in their storefronts.Another key way in which we ensure we meet our clients demands is through the use of our many application programming interface (API) solutions. In a world where customers expect instant gratification, we need to have the tools available to be able to automatically supply and distribute digital goods to our partner’s storefronts. Recently we were asked by over 5000 of our existing and prospective clients to integrate the WooCommerce API Plug-In to the Kinguin Marketplace. We immediately began the process of implementing this service, greatly improving the range of clients we appeal to but also setting up Kinguin for mass market ecommerce success. We are also taking steps to integrate the Shopify API Plug-In which will be ready to use by the end of 2022, effectively offering Kinguin customers access to the two most commonly used ecommerce API Plug-In’s in the world, greatly expanding the utility of our marketplace and offering our customers more ways to automate their stock supplies. It is the combination of our customer service, relationship management, and innovative API technologies that we are able to onboard and retain a global portfolio of partners.We also recently launched our Kinguin NFT Marketplace which has greatly expanded the range of digital products that we have been able to offer to prospective customers. Many of our current partners have been greatly interested in NFTs and have discussed how they can utilise the products on our marketplace to help propel their own businesses into a web 3.0 future. As we continue to innovate and future-proof our product offerings, we set ourselves up as an ecommerce business equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities that web 3.0 will bring. I firmly believe that the steps Kinguin is taking now as a business, including immersing ourselves in the metaverse and world of NFTs, will pay off in huge volumes in the years to come. By preempting market demands, and ultimately client needs, we can cement ourselves as an ecommerce industry leader that can not only provide high quality service to our customers, but also be the access point for the future of online retail.
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In May, Kinguin launched their NFT Marketplace, offering its customers an entirely new range of products and positioning Kinguin as a company building for an NFT and Web3 future. Krzysztof Pająk, Technical Leader at Kinguin, who was responsible for developing and implementing the Kinguin NFT Marketplace. In just three months, Kryzsztof and his team were able to work with Immutable X to take the Kinguin NFT Marketplace from an idea, to full-scale implementation. Throughout the development process, Krzysztof placed great emphasis on the importance of awareness as a team leader. Being tuned in to both his teams, and the wider Kinguin companies' activities, allowed him to effectively manage and upskill his colleagues, as they tackled the challenges that came with the implementation of the Kinguin NFT Marketplace. We sat down with Krzysztof to chat about the project, its challenges, and the long term advantages both his team and Kinguin will benefit from.I was initially briefed on the Kinguin NFT Marketplace idea in March 2021. We had just begun our conversations with Immutable X and the reality of a fully implemented Kinguin NFT Marketplace was still a long way down the line. It wasn’t until February 2022 that we were asked to begin the process of building a fully functional NFT marketplace. Throughout the three month implementation process I was able to significantly grow my team, starting with a few in-house developers, and ending with a fully capable blockchain development department.When we began the project, we entered into a series of calls with our partner Immutable X. Our team had very little experience developing on the blockchain and almost no experience of dealing with layer 2 protocols. Immutable X was able to provide us with ready-to-use API solutions, a full Software Development Kit (SDK) and a suite of fantastic documentation that allowed us to effectively and efficiently implement their system to our Marketplace. Parallel to the development benefits of our partnership, Immutable X also enabled us to list NFT’s from popular blockchain games such as Gods Unchained. The future of gaming is decentralization, and games such as Gods Unchained give the players the ability to genuinely own items and products from within a game that they can sell or trade, like any other asset. Kinguin has always been a future-focused company, looking forward to what is next, rather than catching up with what has already been, and the NFT marketplace is a great example of how we are preparing for the Web3 future and beyond.Despite the excellent support we received from Immutable X, there were many challenges throughout the development process; most notably team capacity and baseline knowledge of both first and second layer blockchain solutions. In order to effectively tackle the problem and deliver the completed product on time, we onboarded additional team members quickly and collectively researched and upskilled each other when it came to handling the 2nd layer protocols we were less familiar with. I believe our collective awareness, of not only our strengths and weaknesses but also the gaps in our knowledge, allowed us to quickly and effectively source solutions to problems we had never encountered before. Throughout the development process, my team and I were able to learn a whole suite of new skills, effectively equipping us to manage any future blockchain related demands that Kinguin may face. As I reflect on the completed project, I also reflect on how we adjusted our development goals to better focus our efforts. At the start of the project we had a single goal in mind - to finish the integration of the marketplace in time. However, as we began to problem solve and discuss implementation of the project, we also began to think about the marketplace in terms of ‘customer stories’ - i.e. the different ways in which our customers would be able to interact with the marketplace. In total we had 14 different ‘user stories’ to make a reality, and our goals were to ensure that the customer could follow any one of those 14 scenarios by the time we were ready to go live with the integration. By thinking about the implementation in terms of how our customers would experience the product, and how each of these scenarios would provide value to our customers, we were able to focus our efforts and solve problems more effectively to ensure we met the tight deadline. I think this reflects Kinguin’s wider attitude to customer service and showcases how we develop and implement ideas with the customer’s experience a priority.I am extremely proud of my team and what we were able to accomplish in such a short time frame. By analyzing problems with a customer-first approach and having the awareness as a team to collectively support and upskill each other we were effectively able to future proof our development skills and support Kinguin on its journey into the NFT industry. As Kinguin begins to develop more products and initiatives in this area, I believe we will truly be able to build something special and unique for our customers, which is really exciting for everyone at Kinguin. The completion of the Kinguin NFT Marketplace firmly plants our stake as a key player in the future of Web3 ecommerce and as we continue to develop and grow, our position will only get stronger.
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In 2015, Michał Figas joined Kinguin’s customer service team and since then, they have gone from strength to strength in terms of innovation and motivation. Now as the Vice President of Customer Service & Fraud Risk Management, he has clearly defined a customer service strategy which puts the Kinguin customer front and centre. We sat down with Michał so we could learn more about his top priorities when it comes to customer satisfaction, his thoughts on the integration of top tech and his passion for team development.Many people may look at my job title and think my responsibilities are opposing, but they are actually more similar than not. In fact, building a structure where fraud risk management sits beside customer service has delivered increased customer satisfaction and safety - the holy grail for any customer service team!Customer satisfaction A key part of our success has come from the fact that we have cemented a simple ethos towards customer service - treat them how you would like to be treated. At the end of the day, we have all been customers, so we all have expectations. Ultimately, our goal is to go the extra mile for every Kinguin customer and make them feel valued and listened to. For this to work, we have set in stone some key non-negotiables. In 2017, the golden standard for responding to customers was between 24 and 48 hours, but times have changed, and customers are constantly expecting more. There is now a small window before they turn to social media so, with this in mind, we aim to reply to all cases in less than 24 hours. But whilst prioritising waiting times is very important to our customers, we have also put a lot of emphasis on personalising messages. Giving our customers a choice is also important, so we offer multiple routes to resolving their issues. We have extensive FAQs that can be easily accessed through our website but, if after reading them, a customer still cannot find the answer to their question they can contact us through our chatbot. Each month we accommodate around 7,000 chats and over 50% of these are resolved then and there.Tech innovation Using advanced technology is a priority because it does improve the customer experience. In late 2020, for example, we introduced Zendesk - a complete customer service software solution. This adds value to our customer relationships by helping us personalise interactions. Another bonus is that it is integrated with our own software and this means we can adapt much more quickly to our customer’s needs. We also continuously review our internal process - particularly as we have, in the past, come under fire for not authenticating gaming keys properly. With an increasing number of people shopping online there has been a dramatic rise in fraud and scam complaints and we need to make sure we are protecting our customers. With tech investment we have reduced our fraud rate to 0.42%, but we want to take it one step further and introduce Shufti Pro, an API based identity Verification solution. This will help us increase conversions, reduce chargebacks and deter fraudulent attempts. And finally, look out for our natural language processing - this will give our chatbots the ability to understand human language as it is spoken and written.The teamNone of this growth or innovation would however be possible if it was not for my team who are the face of Kinguin, and visible at every touchpoint. This is why I am passionate about investing in the right people, including hiring students straight from University because they are often motivated to grow. And what I love most about my team (and what I am looking for in every potential new recruit) is humility. Also, as long as people have the heart for the work they do, they will always convey this passion to our customers, and that is what will lead to them having a positive interaction with Kinguin. Then via thorough training and support, from the more experienced Kinguiners, we will be able to strengthen the team even further.That said, we are not resting on our laurels - the world of ecommerce is competitive. So, we actively encourage our customers to leave honest feedback on Trustpilot. We believe this helps us work out where we are going wrong so we can put in place plans to counteract issues and improve. I believe we have the best group of customer specialists and I am determined to ensure that continues.
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These days selling products online is the most convenient way of doing business. It can be done even easier and more efficiently by using dedicated plug-ins. Plug-in is a software component that adds a specific feature to an existing computer program. This is a part of a software that enhances features and expands services, functions and capabilities of an existing application. Main purpose of using plug-ins is to create more tools and features within your application. It is important to know why a plug-in is needed in your existing application. Basically, it is used for:categorising products, setting and customising themes, analyse statistics, payment systems, system integration,customer support features. What are the types of plug-ins?We can distinguish free and paid plug-ins. It is important to check if the plug-in is ready to be used from day one and does not require additional software. What is more, always check if you receive dedicated support for the plug-in integration. That is crucial to fully utilise its functionality from the very first moment. There are many types of plug-ins available on the internet. In this article, we will focus on free plug-in for online stores. Why are plug-ins so popular?The usage of plug-ins is an increasingly common practice nowadays in business, especially those, which are based on open source solutions. The advantage of it is the ability to select functionalities desired by the user. By using plug-ins you do not need to code things manually and hire dedicated people for your IT department. In practice, this enables people who do not have programming skills to use advanced, professional software and personalised features.Plug-ins usage in dropshipping:In online sales, plug-ins are often used for dropshipping. Dropshipping, is a form of retail business, wherein the seller accepts customer orders, but does not keep goods sold in stock. It is one of the most convenient methods of online selling, because it does not require your financial contribution and space to store products. With a good idea, you can start selling without a financial contribution and develop your business in a dropshipping model.Kinguin allows you to use such a selling method. You can import stock from a seller, display and sell it as yours in your online store. Many sellers find such a method very convenient, because everyone can earn from it and together develop their business. For that reason numerous companies create plug-ins to help other users establish or evolve their business faster.Free Kinguin WooCommerce plug-in:Kinguin created a free of charge plug-in for its customers, called Kinguin API for WooCommerce. WooCommerce is a customizable, open-source eCommerce platform built on WordPress. It is designed for small to large-sized online merchants using WordPress. It is the most popular online selling system, which supports over 5 million online stores around the world. You can download our free plug-in here: https://wordpress.org/plugins/kinguin/#description. That will allow you to import over 70,000 digital products to your online store, from video games to computer software and services. You will get instant access to: game keys for numerous platforms, including Steam, Origin, Uplay or GOG. Gift cards for popular CS:GO stores, including Gamdom, DuelBits or CSGO EmpireComputer software, including Windows, Antivirus or security software How can you integrate your store with Kinguin’s plug-in?Below is the 4-steps instruction of how you can use Kinguin’s plug-in and start selling over 70,000 products directly through your online store:1. Installing plug-in and linking accounts:First of all you need to create an account and submit an application form via Kinguin integration website: https://www.kinguin.net/integration (Kinguin API dashboard)Now, you need a working WooCommerce system set up on the server. If you do not have a WooCommerce (free of charge) set yet, please check this website: https://woocommerce.com/Please download and install the plug-in for Kinguin API in WooCommerce: https://wordpress.org/plugins/kinguin/#description After the plug-in is installed, you are able to see it in the WordPress administration panel. Click on it and go to the settings tab.In the plug-in settings, you will be asked to provide more details, which you can find in your account in the Kinguin API dashboard.You will be asked to enter an API key* and select the environment you want to work on. Kinguin offers two environments - production and sandbox. Production is the main sales platform where real transactions take place. On the sandbox, you can test the operation of the system and place virtual orders. The link to the sandbox is available at this stage of the plug-in's settings. 2. Receiving the API key:Once your application is approved, you can now login.After that please select the "my stores" tab and then create a new store.After creating the store, you will see your API key. Please copy it and paste to the plug-in settings in WooCommerce.Please remember not to share your API key with anyone. 3. Webhooks set up:After downloading the API key, click the "webhooks" button in the upper right corner. Here, by using the data from the plug-in settings, please fill out the following fields: PRODUCT UPDATE, ORDER COMPLETE, ORDER STATUS CHANGE.And then please follow the instructions. Save the changes and proceed. 4. Importing productsPlease go to the plug-in tab called "import products".You should see the "import" button. Click on it and wait for all the products to be imported to your store. Do not close the browser tab until the import is completed.After the download is completed, you can manage the products in the "products" tab in your WooCommerce. If you need any support, please feel free to contact us:api.team@kinguin.ioUseful links:https://www.kinguin.net/integrationhttps://www.sandbox.kinguin.net/integrationhttps://github.com/kinguinltdhk/Kinguin-eCommerce-APIAPI key* - the key of the application programming interface, is a piece of software code. Most often it is in the form of a generated string. It allows you to identify the user or machine that is triggering the communication.WARNING: Never share your API key with anyone!Webhooks** - are the events that trigger some actions. In most cases, they are used for communication between systems. This is the easiest way to get an alert when something happens in another system. They are called webhooks because they act as software hooked up on the network.
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In 2020 Natalia Szepelowska was announced as Kinguin’s Head of People and since then she has spearheaded the charge to ensure smooth people-related operations - whether it is employee satisfaction or driving recruitment. As a psychologist and cognitive scientist, she combines her passion for getting to know people, their potential and their struggles, with her ability to deliver pathways to personal goals and company growth. We sat down with Natalia where she described the employee culture at Kinguin and the company’s new recruitment aspirations.As Head of People, I recognise that Kinguiners will always be our greatest asset and our top priority. I knew from the beginning that we needed to create a company culture that allows them to have a voice to show them we cared. So, that is exactly what we are doing. We are building a culture centred around caring for our employees, which we believe can enable them to thrive, develop and progress during their time at Kinguin.Our culture is integral to us, and it is how we measure whether candidates would be a good fit for Kinguin. During any interview, no matter your level, care always sits front and centre. In a world where empathy is increasingly paramount, it has become a standout principle by which we measure both potential candidates and our existing team. Take the last two years for example. From clearly communicating our company policy which strongly recommended all Kinguiners to work from home, to moving a majority of the meetings online, to distributing home-office set-ups, to ensuring job security, we were able to successfully help all of our employees through the pandemic - we are extremely proud of this.More recently, we have introduced new internal initiatives to encourage employee retention, satisfaction and progression. One being our team player of the quarter initiative, which rewards three employees who demonstrate a hands-on approach to sharing their knowledge and supporting others, with winners receiving a gift of their choice. This year, we also established ‘Kinguiners’ Day’ to highlight the company’s appreciation for all our employees' hard work. The day was filled with special gifts and a personal video from executives and team leaders praising Kinguiners for their ongoing dedication to the company. We thrive off making each employee feel valued and reward those who are excelling - so, keep up the good work Kinguiners!But we have also expanded our duty of care to help those outside the company. The world has been touched by what’s been happening in Ukraine and as their neighbours, we are passionate about doing our part. So, as soon as the crisis began, we not only opened up the Kinguin Esports Performance Centre for all Ukrainian esports players and their families free of charge, but also welcomed Ukrainian families into our Polish offices. Even though our capacity is limited, we are working tirelessly to accommodate every single guest. It is clear for us to care for those in need, and we will continue to explore ways to provide ongoing support. Another example of a programme we created was Kinguin Cares, and a key part of this project focused on supporting children in orphanages across Poland. Last year we provided next generation consoles and games to more than 650 children. In July, we also invited the children back to attend educational webinars led by well-known Polish influencers - Luure, Nieuczesana, Popo and Fanaberry - to give them an insight into potential gaming career opportunities. To finish off the programme, we organised an event at the Kinguin Esports Lounge in Gdańsk with special prizes for all the children.I feel very passionate about shining a light on our internal and external initiatives because they define our company and people - it is one of the reasons Kinguin is a great place to work. Another reason is because we have a progressive and entrepreneurial spirit - we want to give everyone who works for us the support they need to reach their goals. I am one example of someone who has been able to grow - moving from HR & Education specialist to Head of People in just four years. You can find many similar stories across the company!And all of this is important in a year when we, as a company, have some big ambitions. Due to continued growth, we want to increase our personnel by 40%. So, if you have big aspirations and believe you embody Kinguin’s company culture, check out our recruitment page - we have multiple vacancies open.
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Robert Kalbarczyk is the second of three employees to take up the acting CEO position and, while he has only been in the role for a month, he has already set out the leader he wants to be - an approachable and adaptable CEO who has the ability to build a high performing team that delivers results. Robert has a wealth of experience as an entrepreneur, investor, start-up leader and management board advisor. This, alongside his business development background, means he is able to develop solutions that will grow revenue streams and inevitably make a huge influence at Kinguin. We found time to chat with Robert where he told us about his personal Kinguin journey, how he plans to nurture a people-first culture and his strategy for making an impact on the business. When joining the company in 2018 I instantly realised that the beauty of Kinguin lies in every employee being free to be themselves and to contribute to the business. Sometimes it drives me crazy, in a good way, just thinking about the huge potential yet to be unlocked. It’s why I'm looking forward to the next stage of my journey with Kinguin so much. My time has been full of notable moments, many of them learning curves. One which sticks out was two years ago during a period which offered many internal challenges to the company’s cash flow. Then the pandemic hit and people turned to video games and we saw an opportunity to reverse our fortunes. Our team really pulled together - they demonstrated belief, passion and a work ethic I’ve not seen anywhere else. We ignited the fire that grew the business to where it is today - and I’m proud to be part of a team that didn’t give up. When Kinguin Founder, Viktor Romaniuk Wanli, asked me to take on the acting CEO role alongside Brandon Doerfler and Adam Gruda, I knew my first priority was our people, they are the most important layer of our business. As Brandon previously highlighted, they are our greatest assets and advocates, and while he has already cemented a solid people-first philosophy, I want to put my own stamp on it. From my perspective, personal development has to come front and centre. I want to work closely with our employees and encourage them to take ownership of their own goal setting. This is how we will lead them down a path to becoming the best versions of themselves, which will inevitably make Kinguin the best it can be. This links closely to my other priority - considering ways we can impact the business. As a team, we need to be aligned in our strategy and goals. And to do this, our employees must understand the bigger Kinguin picture and specifically, how they can add value. In my experience, people in leadership roles talk about inspiring their workforce and I buy into that, but without context it serves no purpose. So, with that in mind we now hold weekly meetings where we present top-level strategy decisions to the entire company. This keeps everyone in the loop, and also gives them a voice. Two-way communication is crucial to any successful company, and our people are game changers - they will always come armed with solutions and valuable insights to help with growth and cash flow. 2022 will be the year of personal growth and company success for Kinguin - it’s all about achieving clarity in goals and traceability of impact. But for this to be successful, it will be my job to remove any obstacles on our way to excellence. It may only have been one month since I took on this role, but I look forward to carrying these insights, and the Kinguiners, into the next chapter with me.
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It was only at the beginning of this year that Marek Fila was announced as Kinguin’s new CTO. He brings a wealth of tech knowledge to the role following 26 years at companies such as RBS, Samsung, the US Lionbridge and Cisco. Taking this position gives Marek the opportunity to put his existing tech prowess to work to help Kinguin reach their aspirations of an advanced tech company. Marek is looking forward to the challenge - he feels he can bridge the gap between tech and business and he’s looking forward to being a more open and transparent leader at Kinguin. We found time to chat with Marek where he told us about Kinguin’s tech potential as well as his top priorities coming into the role. As soon as I was approached I knew the role of Kinguin’s CTO was perfect for me. For my next move I wanted to work for a cloud based modern tech company and Kinguin stood out from the crowd. Already making technological advancements by implementing NFTs and Google Recommendations AI to their market leading website, it was their bold decision to transition from Magento, an open-source ecommerce platform, to their own marketplace engine which drew me in. It highlighted their true potential.By using their own marketplace engine, Kinguin can meet additional business requirements, deploy digital products much quicker and provide implementations in single actions. As a result, its platform is more agile, flexible and efficient. And in a competitive market it’s all about being first - ultimately, if you’re first to market then you’re perceived a winner and Kinguin has become a standout leader. But what really differentiates us from our competitors is that Kinguin is dedicated to creating customised solutions and facilitating end to end services to all forms of businesses. We recognise every business is important, regardless of size - after all, big business has to start somewhere. Our tech helps these small businesses thrive by providing them with the engine and services to do so. As a global digital ecommerce platform, our customers are all over the world, but what our tech offers merchants is the agility and ability to connect their products with anybody, anywhere, in the knowledge that their transactions are in safe hands.Heading into this role it’s all been about where I can add the most value. From my perspective, it’s important for us to connect with more merchants, to create new diverse offerings and improve our customer’s purchasing experience, such as linking recommendations to customers, based on their interests and history of purchases. I am also keen to explore customisation for specific countries. This means we need to build an IT architecture that can compete and adapt to a rapidly moving environment. Speaking of the environment, a long term proposition for Kinguin’s tech is to go green. By presiding in the clouds, we can alleviate processing delays and easily scale up or scale down to meet demand - this makes us cost effective as well as environmentally friendly! We can become pioneers in the market by using the newest, most efficient technology including the latest AI tech and Google tools to reduce our footprint. This is why one of the first decisions I’ve made is to completely shut down Magento by the middle of the year. Watch this green space!While it’s essential to make these changes for our partners and our customers, it’s equally important to bring our people on the journey with us - they need to be fully engaged with our vision. With this in mind, we’re educating our employees on our tech capabilities. But to achieve our goals we also need to recruit talent - people who can support our ambitions to scale up. This means we also have to consider how we tell our story to the wider world - and that’s something we’re working on and why I feel passionate about being the bridge between the business and the tech.While I’m only a month into the role, things are moving quickly. I genuinely believe we’re on the right track to becoming an advanced tech company of the future!
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Trustly is a global leader in online payments and is now available in the Kinguin checkout. With Kinguin’s mission to enhance gamers’ experiences anywhere and anytime, Trustly offers Kinguin shoppers a fast, easy, and secure way to purchase their favourite games using just their fingerprint or Face ID. You don’t need to pre-register or sign up for anything. You also don’t need to download any other apps. All you need is what you already have: your online bank account, your device, and your biometrics (fingerprint or Face ID). Paying with Trustly is a very quick, very hassle-free experience. It’s optimised for use on mobile devices and is always free to use.How to pay with Trustly?Select Trustly in the checkout when you’re ready to pay.Select your bank, log in and choose an account to pay from.Confirm your payment with your preferred authentication methodFast purchases. Fast refunds.With the speed and ease at which Trustly settles your payment so you can enjoy your goods in no time – sometimes you’ll need to return your purchases for whatever reason. With Trustly, refunds settle back into your account instantly. Giving you the power and freedom to spend your money the way you see fit.Born in Sweden and now available in over 30 countries, Trustly is a licensed payment institution authorised and supervised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. It holds a European Payment Services Provider (PSP) license in accordance with the Payment Services Directive (PSD, 2007/64/EC) and directive (EU) 2015/2366 on payment services (PSD2). Trustly never stores any information that can be used to access your bank account. It uses the highest encryption standard available, in addition to the banks' security system.Kinguin has more than 10 million registered users and with Trustly in the Kinguin store checkout, you can be assured of an even better user experience with a faster, easier way to enjoy your new gaming purchases.
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Michał Gębski, Regional Country Manager at Kinguin, has a huge passion for video games, which all started when he received his first PC, the Atari XL, at eight years of age. Coupling this love of gaming with his ambitious nature, Michał became a competitive gamer, initially battling in Starcraft, before moving into Rainbow 6 and GS:GO. This experience means he understands the importance of needing a place to train before major tournaments and he’s used that experience to ensure that Kinguin Esports Performance Center (EPC) has become that perfect place for teams and players to hone their skills because of its holistic infrastructure and ability to put players' needs front and center.Michał has worked at Kinguin for six years now, playing a vital role in evolving the EPC into the world class facility it is today. We sat down with Michał to ask him about his rich history in the professional esports world and to find out more about Kinguin’s EPC, as well as his aspirations for its future.Back in 2017 I joined Team Kinguin as a PR Manager, where I very quickly realised that the best thing about working here is that you have a lot of autonomy. This is where I saw my chance. There were so many new business opportunities for Kinguin to explore and tap into, and when I outlined these to my Senior Managers, they were not only excited, but also helped me adapt my role to make my visions for the company possible. What I didn’t know then was that this was only the beginning of my journey at Kinguin.After this, my next challenge at Kinguin was to manage and grow the EPC itself. As a team, we built Kinguin’s EPC from scratch, making it one of the first professional facilities for esports teams and the industry in Europe - something I’m very proud of. My competitive gaming background made this a passionate venture for me. It allowed me to share insights and knowledge into what teams really need - an all encompassing esports training center.And that’s what we accomplished! Our EPC, which is based in Warsaw, offers the best-in-class facilities and provides teams with unlimited access to training and analyst rooms, streaming opportunities, accommodation, massage room with professional physios, a gym, psychologists on hand and even professional chefs. This goes far beyond just a bootcamp; a professional sport - or esport - requires a professional lifestyle.Brandon Doerfler, Kinguin’s first acting CEO, recently spoke about his people first philosophy which resonates so well with what we’re doing here at the EPC. People really are our greatest assets and without them, our EPC wouldn’t be the world class facility it is today. Our team truly does go the extra mile. Take for example our newest team member, the concierge, who watches all the games and if they see that you’re still conquering enemies then don’t worry, they’ll reschedule your dinner! It’s that kind of enthusiasm and passion that really helps Kinguin’s EPC stand above the rest. The first team to put our facilities to the test were the Australian Renegades who originally came for a whistlestop bootcamp. Nine months down the line and they were still here! This said it all, proving that these facilities were needed in the industry. From the beginning of last year, the EPC was visited by world-leading esports organisations such as OG, FaZe Clan, Team Vitality, MiBR, Evil Geniuses, 100 Thieves, Furia and many others.In terms of future aspirations, we have many. The EPC has already established itself as a leading facility within the industry, but as the teams who come to train at our facilities will know, it's all about how to stay on top. One of our ideas is to create our very own Mind Hub. Designed for professional and semi-professional players, it will be made up of three key pillars. These include: Performance - consisting of 23 clinical-grade cognitive tests prepared by professional scientists and created specifically for esports professionals. Each test will focus on fundamental cognitive skills, including short-term memory and spatial perception.Psychology - a comprehensive psychological assessment based on 35 years of research in professional sport but modified for esports. The assessment will evaluate players’ psychological and social functioning and focuses on 12 intangible performance traits crucial for any esport athlete.Medical - a list of biomedical tests designed by doctors for pro-gamers. This medical checkup will be focused on blood, kidney, liver, inflammatory and hormonal functioning and will enable us to detect whether players are suffering from any medical issues, such as dehydration, excessive stress, cardiovascular problems, liver problems and much more. Putting this analysis together will provide an all encompassing report which will let teams and players know their current performance status, as well as their true potential. If implemented properly by teams, it would be a huge step towards further professionalising esports.I’m excited to continue leading and pushing boundaries with this exciting venture for Kinguin. We’ll continue to make our state of the art facilities even better - Kinguin Esports Performance Center is where future champions are born - watch this space!
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Did you know that if you have online store, blog, website or affiliate services, you can easily expand it to sell digital products using API integration with Kinguin?API (Application Programming Interface) is a software intermediary that allows two applications to ‘talk to each other’. It connects computers or computer programs. The term API may refer either to the specification or to the implementation. Application programming interface, contrary to user interface, connects computers or pieces of software to each other. API is not intended to be used by end users, it is a tool for computer programmers, who are linking different software systems.In terms of ecommerce API allows linking two different online stores and sharing the product base from one to another.How does the Kinguin API work?Kinguin API for eCommerce is a digital key distribution system, which links Kinguin’s marketplace database with an external online store. It enables online stores, blogs, information websites, affiliate services and all entrepreneurs operating on the Internet to expand their businesses, utilizing the potential of the gaming industry. They can import Kinguin’s stock to their website and sell products automatically, risk free and without buying products in advance.When you connect with Kinguin’s API you are instantly getting access to over 50,000 unique digital products available at Kinguin.net. Kinguin Integration is a ready-to-use web service, available at Kinguin.net marketplace (www.kinguin.net/integration). What is the purchase process with API?When a visitor of your website selects a product and completes the transaction, the automatic API system will submit a query to Kinguin’s database. The key will be delivered instantly to your system, and then the client will receive it. The entire process takes a few seconds and your client can enjoy the new game at a low price!One of the biggest advantages of the KinguinAPI system is that you don't have to pay in advance for the products. Kinguin charges your Kinguin eurBalance account only when your customer buys the product and the purchase is finalized. Kinguin offers dedicated Customer Service support which is available 24 hours, 7 days per week. If your client has any issues with the key, they can contact our Customer Service. With that you don’t need your own Customer Service and you can significantly reduce the cost of your business. How to start using Kinguin’s API?ApplicationIn order to start you should create an Account here: kinguin.net/integration and provide all the necessary information to be verified and to generate an API access key.Then just apply for access by clicking the "Start Earning" button, and wait for the application to be processed. To log into the panel, it is required to use Kinguin ID credentials. If you don’t have them, a new account is being created. After successful verification, the access is granted. Store VerificationNow you are able to log into the panel and go to the “My Stores” tab. Here you should create a new store, which will be representing your online store in the panel.. In this step your unique API key will be generated. Remember to save it, it will be needed later during the integration process.Store IntegrationWe offer professional technical support throughout the integration process. After your application is approved, a delivery manager will contact you for an introductory conversation. He will also invite you to our Slack channel where our developers team will answer all your technical questions. In addition to that you will get an invitation to a video call, so that you can see in practice how the registration and operation of the dashboard looks like. For more information please visit this GitHub page: https://github.com/kinguinltdhk/Kinguin-eCommerce-APIYou will now use the API key, which you generated in the previous step. Now you are ready to import the list of products, including:PriceImagesStockDescriptionsOther attributes (ex. platform, genre, PEGI rating, supported languages, tags)For testing purposes we offer access to our sandbox platform. You will gain access to it after registration.BalanceIn the last step you have to add funds to your Kinguin eurBalance wallet. Then the orders can be dispatched to your customers.Congratulations, at this point you have over 50,000 unique digital products available at your website ready to be sold. You can now set your margin and make profit, selling them to your customer base.Thanks to Kinguin’s API, all e-commerce stores can start earning money, without the need of having their own stock of products.Try it now at:https://www.kinguin.net/integrationIf you have any questions feel free to contact our API team:Jujelyn Villanueva - Sales Development Specialistjujelyn.ballon@kinguin.ioOskar Murglin - Delivery Manageroskar.murglin@kinguin.io
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There has been a lot of misunderstanding around game key distribution on Kinguin.net because they’re cheaper than other platforms. Many people believe we are a reseller, but we are not. The way we distribute is no different to a traditional supply chain - it just happens to take place in a digital space.So what is actually Kinguin?Kinguin.net isn’t a reseller, or even a seller. We are an online platform - digital marketplace. We let sellers from all around the world offer digital products and we provide them with ready-to-use solutions.Professional distributors use our marketplace to offer their stock, just like many traditional stores use Amazon or Ebay, to have an online outlet without the need to pay a fortune for designing and maintaining a new website.If you apply this to the real world, we’d be a mall owner lending space to various brands wanting to run their clothing stores or coffee shops inside the building. On Kinguin.net, instead of these shops, we have game stores. A couple of years ago these sellers would be considered your local game shop owners. Today, they’re still companies, and in some cases big ones! It’s only that they work in the digital space.Selling, not resellingThe main reason why the vast majority of Kinguin.net business users should be considered sellers, and not resellers, is because they acquire keys first-hand from the source. They are registered companies that pay taxes, and they stock up in compliance with the law. Kinguin uses a multi-level verification process of each seller. There is also a rating system of each seller on the marketplace, which is based on buyers experience. Watch the video below to better understand where the keys come from:Why is Kinguin so cheap?Game keys that are sold at Kinguin.net are already bought from developers, by their wholesale and retail partners. They buy it in bulk and that way they can negotiate prices.Pricing can also vary across territories, meaning that retailers in the US or UK could pay more than those from Turkey or Russia. This is because those prices are imposed by developers and their distribution networks. However, our role at Kinguin is to try to lower these prices and as a result reduce the barriers for players to join their gaming adventure.There are other factors to include as well. We offer assistance in setting up your store. We provide ready-to-use game descriptions etc. You don’t have to pay for creating additional assets to promote your game keys. Most of all, we are operating at a low margin so the sellers don’t have to inflate their prices to make profit. All of that combined makes it cheaper to sell games on Kinguin.net, hence the lower prices.What about keys acquired in bundles and then sold on Kinguin?Yes, this does happen, but it's a completely legal process - developers/publishers have already received payment and everyone has already had the chance to purchase the keys at the original offer price.And we have tens of thousands of titles in our offer!There are quite a few reasons behind this. Firstly we’re a genuine link in the chain for distributing video game keys, secondly we listen and work with developers for the best outcome possible, and lastly we’re a legitimate marketplace with over 10 million registered customers, which supports over 100 payment methods from all over the world including PayPal, bank transfers, credit cards and mobile payments.
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NFT is the world’s new buzz word and, for Kinguin, an exciting new opportunity. When asked to describe them in one sentence, Mateusz Mach, Director of NFTs at Kinguin told us it was limiting because while the crude definition means non-fungible tokens, the reality is that these unique, irreplaceable assets are about to change the world of collectibles, and gaming, forever.Mateusz, a highly regarded entrepreneur who founded the world’s first sign language messenger and venture house Nextrope, started with Kinguin in April. He was inspired to join the company having had conversations with founder Viktor Romaniuk Wanli about multiple topics covering digital trade and NFTs, and this, combined with his expertise and passion for tech, made it an opportunity he couldn’t refuse. We sat down with him to ask him about NFTs and to find out what this means for Kinguin. While many people are only now hearing about NFTs, the first one was created in 2014. This was when there was a desire to trade assets online. But, it was only in January this year that NFTs became popular and much of the hype that has been created is the result of the collectables culture in the US. Since then the growth has been exponential, hitting a high of 2.5 billion USD in Q2! But we’re still only at the beginning - there is much to improve and more industries will get involved.For Kinguin, it is a new business area to explore. But I’m always looking for creative challenges and I knew that adding NFTs to the marketplace was a now or never opportunity. So far during my time at the company we’ve announced a partnership with Immutable X and more recently we became the exclusive NFT partner for the Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling event, where we minted exclusive wrestling NFTs and became the first marketplace globally to enter the NFT world. While NFTs provide a new revenue category for the company, our goal is more holistic. We understand that NFTs are new for many people and that while our customers are tech savvy, there is still an education process. Our plan is to invest in building the most convenient to use NFT marketplace within the gaming industry. What we want is for anyone visiting Kinguin.net to find and buy the NFT they want - and to do it with confidence!One example of this is the payment solutions we offer. We’re well known for our wide variety of checkout processes - there are many marketplaces that do not know how to integrate the payment options we have. Our ambition is to make sure this is fully integrated when our customers are buying and trading NFTs as well - it’s important to give them choices.As well as educating our customers on NFTs, we also want to make sure we offer products that appeal to their tastes. We plan to collaborate with partners who give them access to exclusive, gaming collectibles, ones we know they will want to get their hands on. But this will not be limited to gaming. NFTs have become a part of pop culture and because of this we are in advanced talks with artists, musicians, fashion designers, and celebrities to contribute our ideas and add their NFTs on our marketplace. From a personal perspective, my interest is in establishing a new category for Kinguin - one where there is much room to innovate and excite our customers. It will be an incredible experience to be a part of those technological changes. For Kinguin, it will be about being recognised as a market leader - we want to be synonymous with rare, gaming NFTs. This is definitely a long term proposition for the company. We have a ton of plans in the pipeline, many of which I can’t talk about just yet. Next year there will be lots more news I can share but for now it’s about defining our strategy and making sure that when we do reveal all. It will have been worth the wait!
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It was only last month that Kinguin Founder, Viktor Romaniuk Wanli announced the company’s plan to promote three talented Kinguin employees to the role of acting CEO on a 6-month rotational basis. Triggered by his desire to continue to evolve and improve the business for its customers, employees and partners, it signalled a fresh start.Brandon Doerfler, the first of the three employees to take up the acting CEO position has already made a huge impact, despite only being in the role for two months. We found time to chat with Brandon where he told us about his people first philosophy and why this is front and centre to his plans. The ambitious, analytic and funny (his own words) professional also shared some of the challenges and learnings of his first two months in the role, as well as his aspirations for Kinguin’s future. Kinguin approached me earlier this year and asked if I was interested in joining as their CFO. I recognised, having spent the last 15 years working in financial services, that this was a now or never opportunity that I couldn’t turn down. So I decided to return to my Polish roots and enter what I consider to be an exciting and dynamic industry and joined Kinguin in May. Shortly afterwards, following some internal changes, I was then asked if I would like to take on the role of acting rotational CEO alongside two other colleagues. It was an easy yes! Taking this position at Kinguin offers the opportunity to put my existing financial prowess to good use while also allowing me to develop and deepen my knowledge in new areas, which is important to me. In recent months, Kinguin has gone from strength to strength hitting multiple key milestones including reaching 10 million customers and almost tripling GMV on a year on year basis. But it is also facing challenges. The company suffers from its relatively young age and operates with an entrepreneurial approach, often lacking structure. It is therefore my ambition to strip everything back to its foundations and work on cementing a strong infrastructure into the DNA of the company - this is how we will ensure relevance and encourage growth.My starting point in this journey is people because they are our greatest assets and advocates. It is people who will make or break a company. You simply can’t be successful without a healthy culture and that means hiring and retaining talent, encouraging diversity and celebrating different perspectives.And it’s easy to sit here and say these things because words are cheap. What’s important is putting it into action. So the first thing I’ve tackled since coming into this role are performance reviews. Often underrated these help us recognise and reward talent but equally, highlight underperformance. It is only when we understand where there are issues that we can provide the required tools to tackle it. And, it’s not just about implementing the right processes either, it’s about ensuring they’re adopted and retained. I always liken it to when Gordon Ramsay visits failing restaurants during his show ‘Kitchen Nightmares’. He helps restaurateurs get to the root of their problems and creates a clear path which, if followed, will put them back on track. It is only if they avoid the pitfall of returning to their bad habits that they will succeed. It’s the same with what we’re trying to do at Kinguin.One of the biggest challenges we’re facing is that this isn’t the first time that Kinguin has undergone significant changes and, as a result, there are fears and doubts. A lot of people’s actions are guided by the past but that shouldn’t define our future. Learning to steer our team through this with a new view of optimism and showing them that the changes we’re implementing are positive is the first step in fostering trust and building confidence. And that’s key.In terms of future aspirations, I want Kinguin to continue looking at operational efficiency. I’m a big believer in driving a metrics and business intelligence approach. Otherwise how do you keep people accountable? But it’s important to blend qualitative and quantitative goals. Ultimately, I’d like to hand over this role feeling like I’d set some solid ground work in this area.It may only have been two months since I took on this role but it feels a lot longer when I consider what we’ve achieved. In the following months there will be many more challenges to overcome, as well as a host of learnings, but what I’m really proud of is that we’re coming together to resolve them, as a team. To me, that speaks volumes about the type of people who work at this company and the culture we’re already building.
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E-commerce is currently one of the fastest-growing businesses globally, mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic. At this time, many gamers decide on buying digital game keys from e-commerce gaming stores. This trend is only going to grow with time, due to the pandemic and simple convenience. According to the Global Ecommerce Forecast 2021, e-commerce retail sales worldwide climbed by 25.7% in 2020, to a massive 4.213 trillion dollars, while total retail sales worldwide dropped by 2.8% in the same year. With so many brick-and-mortar stores being closed due to the pandemic, many businesses set their eyes on selling their goods online. If you are looking to open your own online business or expand the existing one, this article will tell you how to choose the best payment methods, based on the example of the Kinguin.net marketplace.Which payment method is the most popular?Here are the three of the most commonly used payment methods out of all 100+ available at Kinguin.net:PayPal With over 361 million active users, PayPal is one of the most common payment methods globally. In recent years, more than 50% of customers use this payment method at Kinguin.net. PayPal can be linked to a debit/credit card of either a business or personal account. It’s a perfect fit for an online store as it accepts and processes payments without any hassle. As a seller, it is very important that your business information is safe and secure. Paypal has a seller protection program which depends on the country/state you’re in. This feature allows Sellers to oppose unauthorized transactions, disputes, and non-receive items. The biggest advantage for the seller is that by using a registered email address, it can send payments worldwide instantly. This payment method can be used by both sellers and buyers, via desktop or mobile application. For more information about Paypal, visit their website.Credit/Debit Card Credit/Debit Cards are also one of the best and most commonly used payment methods as it allows to automatically deduct the payment amount from a personal or business account. Around 25% of all the transactions at Kinguin.net are made with credit and debit cards. Once the user registers the account and uses their card as a payment method in an online store, he will be asked for the bank details. This is usually a one-time process. One of the advantages of credit/debit cards is that, once the store has the details saved, it reduces hassle for both parties as the store doesn’t have to repeatedly inquire about the card data and the transaction happens more quickly. It is usually used for B2B transactions and for users who prefer online shopping. Bank Transfer Around 5% of total transactions at Kinguin.net are based on bank transfers. This process allows the user to not disclose any information about their bank account. Bank transfer is also used if an online shopper or a business owner wants to top up funds to an online store. However, not all stores offer this as their payment option. If the user is enrolled in online banking, it allows them to transfer funds to another bank without any problem. This process can be done once or recurrently, depending on the user's need. According to Jujelyn Villanueva, Sales Development Specialist at Kinguin, ‘PayPal, bank transfer and credit/debit cards are the most commonly used payment methods at Kinguin.net, a global gaming marketplace with over 10 million registered users. We usually suggest Bank Transfer to our biggest API partners, as it is easier to operate on a vast number of transactions.’What is the payment process via Application Programming Integration (API) in Kinguin.net?Kinguin API for e-commerce is a digital key distribution system based on the Application Programming Interface (API). It enables online stores, blogs, information websites, affiliate services, and all entrepreneurs operating on the Internet to monetize their business, utilizing the potential of the gaming industry customers. API is an intermediary software which allows two applications to “talk” to each other. With our API, Kinguin provides the sellers with services to integrate their stores with the marketplace and easily import product lists, containing current product attributes and prices determined by the seller themselves.How does the payment process look like?The customer pays for the product via an external service. Kinguin is not involved at any stage of the purchase.In order to pay via bank transfer you may use:A direct deposit – the customer goes directly to their bank and deposits the money to where they want to send it.Online banking – the customer who enrolled their account to the online banking can easily perform an online bank transfer. The only thing the customer needs is the bank account information of the person/company they want to transfer money to.Customer support/direct message – on Kinguin.net, the customer has the option to directly contact customer support in case of having any difficulties sending the payment through. The customer can also send a direct message to the appropriate person in charge: Oskar Murglin (Delivery Manager) or Jujelyn Villanueva (Sales Development Specialist).After a successful payment, the external store sends the information about the order to Kinguin.net. The so-called BALANCE is created, which means that Kinguin.net charges the user and continues the shipment of the order.What is BALANCE?Let’s use an example: You are the owner of an online store, but you don’t currently have any games. You can connect to the Kinguin.net API and access over 24,000 digital gaming products and more.Once you have access, if a customer buys the game in your store, then the funds are deducted from your BALANCE account, which is your Kinguin currency that you topped up earlier. If the customer does not sell any game in their shop, the money/balance will be refunded.Balance, in a sense, freezes a certain amount of money. However, it does guarantee that the payment covers only the goods sold.Summary:To sum up, while choosing the best payment method, we should always consider which is the most convenient as well as the safest one. We must think about the privacy protection of our bank accounts as they always include personal information that may be used in a fraudulent transaction. Since it is very important for a gaming store to have online payments available, we should always choose the fastest way to complete it. In our opinion, PayPal is the most secure, quickest and convenient payment method as shown clearly by the preferences of our customers.
Read moreThis guide covers Phasmophobia crossplay on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and VR as of October 2026. Yes, Phasmophobia is crossplay: up to four players on Steam, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S can hunt together in one lobby. Crossplay means players on different platforms share the same online session. Progress does not carry over between platforms.Key TakeawaysPhasmophobia has crossplay between PC (Steam), PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, available since the console early access launch on October 29, 2024.VR and non-VR players can join the same lobby, with up to four players per game.Kinetic Games has not announced cross-progression, so levels and unlocks stay on the platform where you earned them.According to Kinetic Games, the Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives together with Phasmophobia 1.0 in the second half of 2027.Phasmophobia Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC (Steam) + PS5 + Xbox Series X|SYes, crossplayVR (PC VR, PS VR2) + non-VR playersYes, in the same lobbyCrossplay on consoles sinceOctober 29, 2024 (console early access launch)Crossplay settingOptional, can be switched on or offMax players per lobby4Cross-progressionNot announced; progress stays on each platformPS4 / Xbox OneNo version availableNintendo Switch 2Coming with 1.0 in the second half of 2027; crossplay not detailedGame statusEarly Access (v0.19.1.0, October 2026)Is Phasmophobia Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Yes, Phasmophobia is crossplay in 2026. Players on PC through Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2 and Xbox Series X|S can join the same lobby and investigate together. Kinetic Games describes the game on its official page as co-op for up to four players, cross-platform. A mixed group of friends does not need to own the game on the same system to play together, as long as every player is on one of the supported platforms.Phasmophobia crossplay has been live since October 29, 2024, when the game launched in early access on PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, as reported by Gematsu and TrueAchievements at launch. Before that date, Phasmophobia was a PC-only game on Steam. The console versions launched with crossplay from day one, so console and PC players shared the same online sessions from the start.Phasmophobia crossplay is optional. When Kinetic Games announced the console versions, the studio said that all platforms will feature optional crossplay, which means each player can switch it on or off in the game settings. Players who prefer to match only with people on their own platform can turn it off, while groups with friends on different systems should keep it on.Is Phasmophobia Crossplay With PC and Xbox?Phasmophobia is crossplay with PC and Xbox, and with PlayStation too. A Steam player can host a lobby that friends on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 join, and a console player can host for PC friends in the same way. There is no restriction between console brands either, so PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can investigate together, which is not a given in many other co-op games.Phasmophobia platform support is simple to check in one place. The table below shows which platform combinations can play together as of October 2026, based on Kinetic Games, the Steam store page and coverage of the console launch. Older consoles and the upcoming Switch 2 version are listed separately, because neither is part of crossplay today.Platform combinationCrossplay in October 2026PC (Steam) + PS5YesPC (Steam) + Xbox Series X|SYesPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesPS VR2 + PC, PS5 or XboxYesPC VR + flat-screen PC or consoleYesPS4 or Xbox OneNo version availableNintendo Switch 2Not released yet; crossplay not detailedCan VR and Non-VR Players Play Phasmophobia Together?VR and non-VR players can play Phasmophobia together in the same lobby. The Steam store page says the game supports all players together and lets you play with friends using any combination of input types. In practice, one friend can wear a PC VR headset while another uses a mouse and keyboard and a third uses a controller, all in the same investigation.PlayStation VR2 owners are part of the same crossplay pool. Phasmophobia launched on PS VR2 on October 29, 2024, alongside the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, and PS VR2 players can join flat-screen PS5, Xbox and PC players. On PC, VR support is part of the regular Steam version, so a Steam player can switch between VR and a monitor without buying a second copy.Get Phasmophobia on KinguinHow to Join Friends in Phasmophobia Across PlatformsJoining friends in Phasmophobia across platforms works through a room code rather than a shared friends list. One player hosts a private room, the game shows a code, and the other players type that code to join. Menu names differ slightly between versions and community guides, so the steps below use the general flow rather than exact button labels.Phasmophobia players who cannot find a friend's room should first check two things, according to community guides. Every player needs crossplay switched on, since a player with crossplay off will not connect to a lobby with another platform. Every player should also pick the same server region as the host. Guides disagree on whether a region mismatch blocks joining or only adds lag, so matching regions is the safe choice.Every player opens the game settings and makes sure crossplay is switched on.Everyone selects the same server region as the host.The host opens the multiplayer menu and creates a private room.The host shares the room code shown on screen with the group.Friends choose the option to join a private room and enter the code.Once up to four players are in the lobby, the host picks a contract and starts the investigation.Does Phasmophobia Have Cross-Progression?Phasmophobia does not have cross-progression as of October 2026. Cross-progression means one save, with your level, money and unlocked equipment, follows you across platforms. Kinetic Games has not announced the feature in its patch notes or roadmap posts, and community guides report that progress stays on the platform where you earned it. A level reached on Steam does not appear on a PS5 or Xbox copy.Crossplay and cross-progression in Phasmophobia are separate features. Crossplay lets a Steam player and a PS5 player share a lobby, while each of them keeps their own save on their own platform. Players who plan to move from PC to console, or from Xbox to PlayStation, should expect to start progression again on the new platform, since no official transfer tool has been announced.Phasmophobia on PS4, Xbox One and Switch 2Phasmophobia is not available on PS4 or Xbox One. The console version launched only on PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, and Kinetic Games has not announced versions for older consoles. Players with friends on last-generation hardware cannot join them, because there is no PS4 or Xbox One copy to play on. The only route is moving to a current-generation console or PC.Phasmophobia is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, but not in 2026. Kinetic Games announced the Switch 2 version at The Game Awards in December 2025. In its June 24, 2026 post, Phasmophobia 2026 and Beyond, the studio said 1.0 moves to the second half of 2027 and that the Switch 2 version will arrive at the same time. Kinetic Games has not yet detailed whether Switch 2 players will join crossplay lobbies.Phasmophobia is still in early access in October 2026, with version 0.19.1.0 released on October 6, 2026, per Kinetic Games' patch notes. Crossplay already works across PC, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S during early access, so groups do not need to wait for 1.0. If you still need a copy, Kinguin lists Phasmophobia, and buying the version for the platform you play on is all that matters for crossplay.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Phasmophobia crossplay with PC and Xbox?Yes. Phasmophobia players on PC through Steam and on Xbox Series X|S can join the same lobby, and PS5 and PS VR2 players can join too. Crossplay is optional, so every player in the group should check that it is switched on in the game settings.Can PC and PS5 players play Phasmophobia together?Yes. PC players on Steam and PS5 players can play Phasmophobia together, including PS VR2 users. The host creates a private room, shares the room code, and friends on other platforms enter it to join. Matching server regions helps avoid connection problems.Can PS5 and PC crossplay?In Phasmophobia, yes. PS5 and PC crossplay has worked since the console early access launch on October 29, 2024. Crossplay support varies by game, so for other titles check the publisher's own support pages before buying a copy on a different platform than your friends.Is Phasmophobia cross-platform?Yes. Phasmophobia is cross-platform across PC (Steam), PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, with up to four players per lobby. Cross-progression is a different matter: Kinetic Games has not announced it, so levels and unlocks stay on each platform.Is Phasmophobia on PS4 or Xbox One?No. Phasmophobia is available on PC, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S only. Kinetic Games has not announced PS4 or Xbox One versions. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is planned for the second half of 2027, alongside the 1.0 release.SourcesKinetic Games: Phasmophobia (official game page)Kinetic Games: Phasmophobia 2026 and Beyond (June 24, 2026)Kinetic Games: Phasmophobia v0.19.1.0 Patch Notes (October 6, 2026)Steam: Phasmophobia store pageGematsu: Phasmophobia Early Access for PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series launches October 29
Read moreThis guide covers Helldivers 2 crossplay on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same match. Yes, Helldivers 2 has full crossplay: PC, PS5 and Xbox players can squad up together. Progress, however, stays on each platform, because the game has no cross-progression.Key TakeawaysHelldivers 2 supports crossplay between PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and crossplay can be turned off in the game.Helldivers 2 launched on Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025, with crossplay from day one, according to Xbox Wire.Cross-platform friends are added with a friend code from the Social tab.Helldivers 2 has no cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy, and Arrowhead Support says there are no plans to add cross-progression at this time.Helldivers 2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC + PS5 + Xbox Series X|S crossplayYes, all three platforms play togetherXbox Series X|S releaseAugust 26, 2025 ($39.99 base game)Original release (PS5 and PC)February 8, 2024Crossplay toggleOn by default, can be turned offCross-progression / cross-saveNo, and no plans at this time per Arrowhead SupportCross-buyNoSquad sizeUp to 4 playersHow to add cross-platform friendsFriend code in the Social tabPS Plus needed for onlineOn PS5 only; not on SteamPSN account on SteamGame prompts linking on first launchIs Helldivers 2 Crossplay? The Short AnswerYes, Helldivers 2 is crossplay on every platform it is sold on. Arrowhead Support states that Helldivers 2 features cross-play between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, so a squad of up to four players can mix Steam, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S accounts in the same mission. Friends on different platforms can host or join each other's ships, as long as crossplay is enabled for everyone.Helldivers 2 crossplay covers matchmaking and missions, not your account. Each platform keeps its own progression, Warbonds, Super Credits and unlocks, so playing on a second platform means starting from scratch there. The rest of this guide explains which platforms play together, how to add friends from another platform, the PlayStation Network question on PC, and what to check when crossplay does not work.Which Platforms Can Play Helldivers 2 Together?Helldivers 2 crossplay connects three platforms: PC through Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game first launched on February 8, 2024, on PS5 and Steam, according to the Arrowhead FAQ, and crossplay between those two was part of the game from launch. Xbox joined in 2025, which made the player base shared across all three platforms. On Xbox, the game is available on the Series X|S consoles.Helldivers 2 has crossplay switched on by default, and the Arrowhead FAQ confirms that players can disable it. Turning crossplay off limits matchmaking to your own platform, which can mean fewer available squads at higher difficulties. For a mixed group of friends, crossplay needs to stay on for every player in the squad.Platform pairCan play together?PC (Steam) + PS5YesPC (Steam) + Xbox Series X|SYesPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesAny platform with crossplay turned offOnly with the same platformHelldivers 2 on Xbox: Release and CrossplayHelldivers 2 came to Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025, according to Xbox Wire and the Xbox Store listing. The base game is listed at $39.99 on Xbox, and pre-orders offered a Standard Edition and a Super Citizen Edition. The Xbox Wire announcement promised cross play on all platforms from launch.Helldivers 2 on Xbox uses the same live galaxy and the same missions as the PC and PS5 versions, so Xbox players join the existing community instead of a separate one. Official Xbox Wire posts and the Xbox Store page do not mention a PlayStation Network account for the Xbox version. Xbox players who already own the game on another platform still need to start a new account, because purchases and progress do not carry over.Get Helldivers 2 on KinguinHow to Add Cross-Platform Friends With a Friend CodeHelldivers 2 adds friends from other platforms through friend codes, not through Steam, PSN or Xbox friend lists. According to Arrowhead Support, the Social tab shows your friends list, players you recently played with, pending invitations and blocked players. From there you can search for a player by friend code or generate your own code to share. Guides describe the code as eight digits long.Helldivers 2 also lets you send a request from the recent players list, which is handy after a good random match. Arrowhead Support says the Social tab opens from the Pause menu while you are on a ship, or with Tab on PC and X on PS5; Xbox players can reach it through the Pause menu.Make sure crossplay is turned on for both players.Board your ship and open the Social tab from the Pause menu.Player one generates a friend code and shares it.Player two enters the code in the friend code search and sends a request.Player one accepts the request under pending invitations.Invite the new friend to your ship from the friends list.Do You Need a PSN Account to Play Helldivers 2?Helldivers 2 on Steam asks PC players to link a PlayStation Network account. According to Arrowhead Support, the game prompts you to link Steam to PSN on first launch and shows a QR code and a log-in link. The Steam store page also lists PlayStation Network as a required third-party account that supports linking to Steam. Creating a PSN account is free.Helldivers 2 became the center of a PSN controversy in May 2024, when PlayStation planned to make linking mandatory and then said the update will not be moving forward after a wave of negative Steam reviews, as reported by several outlets at the time. Players report that the prompt still appears, so plan for linking on PC. Official Xbox pages mention no PSN account for the Xbox version.Helldivers 2 online play on PS5 requires PS Plus, while Steam players do not pay for PS Plus to play online, according to the Arrowhead FAQ. Linking Steam and PSN does not unlock anything across platforms either. Arrowhead Support states that linking does not copy game data between the PS5 and PC copies of the game.Does Helldivers 2 Have Cross-Progression?Helldivers 2 does not have cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy as of October 2026. Arrowhead Support, in an article updated on October 13, 2026, says progression, DLC and limited-time items such as pre-order armor stay on the account and platform where you earned or bought them. Player Support cannot merge accounts or move items between accounts, and it grants no exceptions.Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead has been clear about the future too: its support page says "We have no plans to implement cross-progression at this time." In November 2025, CEO Shams Jorjani said the studio would love to add it but that it was far from the priority. Players moving from PS5 to PC or Xbox, or the other way around, should expect to rebuild Warbonds and unlocks from zero.Helldivers 2 Crossplay Not Working: Quick ChecksHelldivers 2 crossplay problems usually come down to settings or friend requests rather than the platforms themselves. Earlier patch notes listed issues with cross-platform friend invites not showing up, so a request that seems lost is worth sending again before assuming something is broken. The checklist below covers the common fixes, in the order most players try them.Check that crossplay is enabled for every player in the squad.Confirm everyone is on the latest game update.On PC, finish linking your PSN account if the game asks for it.Resend the friend request using a freshly generated friend code.Restart the game, then try the invite again from the friends list.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Helldivers 2 going to be cross-platform?Helldivers 2 already is cross-platform. PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can play together, and Xbox joined with crossplay when the game launched there on August 26, 2025. Crossplay is on by default and can be turned off.Can Xbox and PS5 play Helldivers 2 together?Yes. Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players can share a squad of up to four in Helldivers 2. Both players need crossplay switched on and must add each other with a friend code from the in-game Social tab.Does Helldivers 2 have cross-progression?No. Helldivers 2 has no cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy, so items and progress stay on each platform. Arrowhead Support says the studio has no plans to implement cross-progression at this time.Do you need a PSN account to play Helldivers 2 on PC?Helldivers 2 on Steam prompts PC players to link a free PSN account on first launch, per Arrowhead Support, and the Steam page lists PSN as a third-party account. PlayStation dropped a mandatory linking plan in May 2024.How do you add friends cross-platform in Helldivers 2?Open the Social tab from the Pause menu on your ship, generate a friend code and share it. Your friend searches for that code, sends a request, and you accept it under pending invitations.SourcesArrowhead Support: Does Helldivers 2 have cross-progression?Arrowhead Support: How do I link my Steam account to a PlayStation Network account?Arrowhead Support: How do I send/accept a friend request?Arrowhead Support: Helldivers 2 FAQXbox Wire: Helldivers 2 is Coming to Xbox on August 26Xbox Wire: Helldivers 2 Out on Xbox TodaySteam: Helldivers 2 store page
Read moreThis guide covers which GTA 5 and GTA Online platforms can play together in 2026. No, GTA 5 is not crossplay: PC, PlayStation and Xbox players cannot share sessions, and Rockstar has not announced plans to change that. The only cross-platform play happens between PC launchers, and only when everyone runs the same PC edition.Key TakeawaysGTA 5 and GTA Online have no crossplay between PC, PlayStation and Xbox, and no crossplay has been announced as of October 2026.GTA 5 players on PC can play together across all PC launchers if everyone runs the same edition, Enhanced or Legacy.Since June 18, 2026, Rockstar offers a free upgrade to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version for PS4 owners and digital Xbox One owners.A GTA Online character can be migrated once from PS4 or Xbox One to current-gen consoles, but never between console and PC.GTA 5 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)PlatformsCan they play together?PC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplayPlayStation + XboxNo crossplay, on any console generationPS4 + PS5 / Xbox One + Xbox Series X|SSeparate GTA Online sessions on the current-gen versionSteam + Epic + Rockstar Launcher + Xbox app (PC)Yes, if everyone is on the same edition (Enhanced or Legacy)PC Enhanced + PC LegacyNo, separate GTA Online instancesMove character PS4/Xbox One to PS5/Xbox Series X|SYes, one time per profileMove character between console and PCNo, in either directionFree upgrade PS4 to PS5 / Xbox One digital to Xbox Series X|SYes, since June 18, 2026 (not physical Xbox One discs)Crossplay announcedNoWhat Do Crossplay and Cross-Progression Mean in GTA 5?Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same online session. Cross-progression means one save follows a player across platforms and stays in sync. GTA 5 and GTA Online support neither in that modern sense. Rockstar instead offers a one-time character migration: a profile is copied to a new platform once, and from then on the old and new versions develop separately.GTA Online splits players into three platform families: PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Players only meet others inside their own family, and console players also need to be on the same generation of the game. On PC, the store does not matter, but the edition does. The sections below explain each rule, starting with the console brands and ending with a setup checklist for mixed friend groups.Can Xbox and PlayStation Play GTA 5 Together?Xbox and PlayStation players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online together on any console generation. The rule covers PS4 with Xbox One, PS5 with Xbox Series X|S, and every mixed pairing in between. Rockstar Support describes cross-network play as something that applies only to PC platforms, and no equivalent exists between the two console brands. No menu setting connects the two player bases.Rockstar has not given a reason for the missing PlayStation and Xbox crossplay, so explanations found on forums are guesses rather than Rockstar policy. A mixed console group has one practical option: one player switches to the other brand. A GTA Online character from PS4 or Xbox One can follow that player once to the other brand's current-gen console, with the money rules covered in the character migration section.Can PC Play GTA 5 With PS4, PS5 or Xbox?PC players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online with anyone on PS4, PS5, Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S. According to Rockstar Support (article last updated June 17, 2025), "Cross-network play only applies to gameplay between PC platforms (Rockstar Games Launcher, Steam, Epic Games Launcher, Xbox app on PC, etc.). Players on PC cannot play with players on console." The rule applies to both PC editions and every console generation.Rockstar offers no supported workaround for a PC player who wants to join a console lobby, and GTA Online progress cannot move between console and PC in either direction. A PC player whose friends are on PS5 has three realistic choices: buy the PS5 version and start a new character, move the group to PC, or play with a different crew on PC.Can PS4 and PS5 (or Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S) Play GTA Online Together?PS4 and PS5 players, and Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, usually cannot meet in GTA Online. According to community guides and player reports, the current-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X|S version runs separate sessions from the PS4 and Xbox One version. Players also report that a PS5 owner can run the PS4 version through backward compatibility to join PS4 friends, though Rockstar has not documented this.The free GTA V upgrade is the simplest fix for mixed-generation groups. According to Rockstar Newswire (June 17, 2026) and Rockstar Support, since June 18, 2026 anyone who owns GTA V on PS4, disc or digital, or the digital Xbox One version can get the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version at no cost. A PS4 disc must be in the PS5. Physical Xbox One discs are excluded, and Rockstar has given no end date.GTA Online is still live on PS4 and Xbox One in October 2026, and Rockstar has not announced a shutdown. The Kortz Center Heist reached PS4 and Xbox One in July 2026, but the Rockstar patch notes list more recent updates for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC only. Groups that want the newest content should move to the current-gen version.Do Steam, Epic and Rockstar Launcher Players Play GTA 5 Together on PC?GTA 5 players on PC can play together regardless of the store they bought from. Steam, Epic Games Store, Rockstar Games Launcher and Xbox app on PC copies all share GTA Online sessions, so a friend with an Epic copy can join a Steam player. The edition is the part that matters. Since March 4, 2025, GTA V on PC comes in two editions, Enhanced and Legacy.GTA V Enhanced and GTA V Legacy run as separate GTA Online instances. According to Rockstar Newswire (February 20 and March 4, 2025), players who remain on Legacy cannot play in sessions with players on Enhanced, even when both bought the game in the same store. PC owners get both editions, so a PC friend who cannot find a session should first check which edition each player launched.Get GTA V on KinguinCan You Move a GTA Online Character Between Platforms?GTA Online characters can move from PS4 or Xbox One to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S once per profile, started from the Landing Page or Pause Menu. According to Rockstar Support's migration page (updated February 24, 2026), the move can cross brands, such as Xbox One to PS5. Unspent GTA$ bought through Shark Cards does not transfer across brands, while earned GTA$ does, so players should spend Shark Card money first.Rockstar Support lists two blocked routes: no migration between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and no migration between console and PC in either direction. On PC, moving from Legacy to Enhanced is a manual, one-time migration rather than an automatic one. After that move, the Legacy progress is kept but no longer syncs with the Enhanced character, so the two profiles drift apart.Will GTA 5 or GTA 6 Get Crossplay?Rockstar has not announced any plan to add crossplay to GTA 5 or GTA Online, either between PC and consoles or between PlayStation and Xbox. A search of Rockstar Newswire and Rockstar Support in October 2026 found no such announcement. Until that changes, GTA Online groups should plan around the current rules: same platform family, same console generation and, on PC, the same edition.GTA 6 releases on November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, according to Rockstar Newswire (June 24, 2026), and no PC version has been announced. Rockstar describes GTA 6 as "a single player experience". Rockstar has said nothing official about GTA 6 Online or crossplay, so claims that GTA 6 will support crossplay are unconfirmed.How Do You Set Up GTA Online With Friends on Different Platforms?GTA Online groups avoid most matchmaking problems by checking platform, generation and edition before anyone buys or reinstalls the game. The steps below summarize the rules from the earlier sections in the order a mixed group should check them.Pick one platform family for the whole group: PC, PlayStation or Xbox.On consoles, move everyone to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version; PS4 and digital Xbox One owners can use the free upgrade.On PC, ignore the store and agree on one edition, Enhanced or Legacy.Before switching console brands, spend any Shark Card GTA$ and migrate the character once.Accept that a move between console and PC means starting a new character.Buy the GTA V version that matches your group's platform and edition, for example on Kinguin.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan Xbox and PS play GTA together?Xbox and PlayStation players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online together on any generation, and Rockstar has not announced plans to add it. One player has to switch brands; a PS4 or Xbox One character can be migrated once to the other brand's current-gen console.Can PS4 GTA 5 play with PC?PS4 players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online with PC players. Rockstar Support states that players on PC cannot play with players on console, and that rule also covers PS5 and Xbox. GTA Online characters cannot be moved between PS4 and PC either.Can I play GTA 5 Online on PC and PS5 together?GTA Online has no crossplay between PC and PS5. Rockstar limits cross-network play to PC launchers, so a PC player and a PS5 player need to be on the same platform. Progress cannot move between PC and PS5, so the switching player starts a new character.Will GTA 6 have crossplay?Rockstar has not announced crossplay for GTA 6. GTA 6 launches November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and Rockstar calls it a single player experience. Nothing official exists yet about GTA 6 Online, so crossplay claims remain unconfirmed.Can Steam and Epic Games players play GTA Online together?Steam and Epic Games Store players can play GTA Online together when both run the same PC edition. GTA V Enhanced and GTA V Legacy are separate online instances, so a Steam player on Enhanced cannot join an Epic player on Legacy.SourcesRockstar Support: Unable to join GTA Online sessions with Xbox app on PC (cross-network play, updated June 17, 2025)Rockstar Support: Free GTA V upgrade to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S (updated June 18, 2026)
Read moreSome evenings are simply made for staying in. Your favorite blanket is waiting on the couch, there's something warm in your favorite mug, and you've already decided that absolutely nothing is getting you out of your comfy clothes tonight. All that's missing is a good game. And perhaps a little surprise from us 🤎This autumn, Kinguin and Razer have teamed up for a special Cozy Gaming Giveaway, bringing together our love for relaxing games, cute gaming setups, and those wonderfully lazy evenings when the only thing on your schedule is enjoying yourself.We're celebrating Kinguin's Cozy Sale with a chance to win some seriously lovely gaming gear, including a Nintendo Switch 2, Razer headphones, and an adorable Pokémon-themed collection. A little something for your cozy gaming cornerWe believe your gaming setup should feel like your own little happy place. Maybe yours is full of fairy lights, plushies, and pastel accessories. Maybe it's a simple desk with a comfy chair and a very important cup of coffee. Whatever your perfect gaming corner looks like, we've got a few things that might make it even lovelier.Together with Razer, we're giving away three prize packages made for gaming days, quiet evenings, and everything in between.🧸 1st Place: The ultimate gaming eveningOur grand prize winner will receive:Razer Barracuda X Chroma White – wireless gaming headphones for getting lost in your favorite worlds.Nintendo Switch 2 – a whole new collection of gaming adventures waiting to happen.Just imagine putting on your headphones, getting comfortable under your blanket, and spending the evening exploring a new game. No plans, no rush, just a little time for yourself.🌸 2nd Place: A Pokémon dream setupIf your ideal gaming setup involves pink accessories and ridiculously cute Pokémon, this prize might have your name written all over it.Our second-place winner will receive the Pokémon Razer Collab Pikachu & Eevee Collection Gaming Gear, a matching set featuring a headset, keyboard, mouse, and mouse mat. Yes, Pikachu and Eevee. Yes, it's pink. And yes, we're a little obsessed too.🎀 3rd Place: Kitty ears, obviouslyOur third-place winner will receive the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro, a pink gaming headset with adorable kitty ears.Because sometimes you want great gaming audio, and sometimes you also want to look like the cutest person in the Discord call.Cozy games, autumn evenings, and a little extra loveOf course, a cozy gaming setup deserves some equally lovely games. That's why our Kinguin Cozy Sale is here to make your autumn gaming plans even sweeter, with selected cozy games discounted by up to 86%.Fancy spending the evening running a little bakery? Taking care of your farm? Decorating your dream home? Or simply disappearing into a beautiful game world for a few hours?We've gathered games for all kinds of peaceful evenings, and there's even an extra treat waiting for you: use code COZY8 for an additional discount on eligible offers. You bring the blanket and snacks. We'll help with the games.Ready to make this autumn a little sweeter? 🍯Our Kinguin x Razer Cozy Gaming Giveaway is all about celebrating the little things that make gaming feel special. Your favorite game after a long day, a cute new accessory on your desk, or a weekend when you finally have time to play something you've been looking forward to.And who knows? Maybe your next gaming evening will come with a brand-new Razer setup. Enter the Kinguin x Razer Cozy Gaming Giveaway through our official contest page, follow the participation instructions, and check the terms and conditions for eligibility and deadlines. .kg-cozy-mini-v4 { transition:box-shadow .2s ease !important; } .kg-cozy-mini-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 22px rgba(80,45,30,.12) !important; } .kg-cozy-mini-v4:focus-visible { outline:3px solid #f26621 !important; outline-offset:3px !important; } Good luck, little autumn gamers. We're rooting for you! 🧸🤎
Read moreTwenty-two years later, we’re going back to where it all began.World of Warcraft: Forever is now live, opening the doors to a new version of original Azeroth built for players who remember their first trip to Stormwind just as much as those who have absolutely no idea why everyone keeps shouting “FOR THE HORDE”. Both are welcome. Forever is an unusual chapter for World of Warcraft. It isn’t simply another expansion added to the end of the existing game, nor is it Classic with prettier lighting. Instead, it creates another permanent home alongside Modern and Classic WoW: an Azeroth rooted in the game’s original era, but free to grow in its own direction through new stories, zones, dungeons and updates.For longtime players, familiar roads can now lead somewhere genuinely new. For everyone who has spent the last 20 years looking at WoW from the outside and thinking surely it is far too late to start now, Forever may be one of the easiest opportunities to finally find out what all the fuss is about.So, before you choose a faction, spend two hours creating your character and develop an unhealthy relationship with the Auction House, here’s what you need to know. WORLD OF WARCRAFT: FOREVER · QUICK FACTS NOW LIVE Enter Azeroth now PC Battle.net MMORPG Shared online world LEVEL 1–60 The journey matters again What exactly is World of Warcraft: Forever?Let’s start with the newcomers. World of Warcraft is an MMORPG, which is a very efficient way of saying that thousands of people share an enormous online fantasy world and spend their time questing, exploring, fighting monsters, running dungeons, collecting gear, learning professions, fighting each other and standing in capital cities showing off mounts that took an unreasonable amount of time to obtain.That world is Azeroth, and it has been WoW’s home since 2004. Across more than two decades of expansions, Azeroth has changed enormously. Modern World of Warcraft kept moving forward, while WoW Classic allowed players to revisit older versions of the game.Forever takes a different path. It returns to the spirit and geography of original Azeroth, but instead of preserving that world exactly as it was, Blizzard is expanding it. Familiar places sit alongside new and enlarged zones, more than 1,000 new quests, new dungeons, secrets and stories that build outward from WoW’s first age.The level 1–60 journey matters again, and this version of Azeroth is designed to continue evolving through future content rather than simply replaying the expansion path WoW has already travelled. Wklejony tekstThat is probably the easiest way to understand Forever: Classic asks what it was like to play old WoW again. Forever asks what old WoW could have become if Azeroth had taken another road. If you have never played World of Warcraft before, you don’t need 22 years of homework to start here.And if you have played World of Warcraft for 22 years, you have probably already stopped reading this section and started arguing about class balance somewhere. Welcome home. What is new in World of Warcraft: Forever?Quite a lot. The addition you will probably notice first is Skyborne, the new playable elven race from Zephras Isle. The race splits along faction lines: Windshaper Skyborne join the Horde and can become Shamans, while High Order Skyborne join the Alliance and can become Mages.Forever also adds new race-and-class combinations, including Forsaken Paladins, Dwarf Shamans, Orc Mages, Troll Warlocks, Human Hunters and Gnome Priests. The familiar classes themselves have also been reworked, with updated abilities and specializations designed to preserve their original identities while giving players more options. And then there is Azeroth itself.The world has received environmental and lighting upgrades, but the important changes go much deeper than presentation. Blizzard has filled the 1–60 journey with new stories, locations, secrets and dungeons, giving veterans reasons to wander away from routes they could probably still navigate with their eyes closed.Professions are much more involved too, with more than 600 new recipes, new crafted bonuses and profession objects that can be placed at campsites. The new Camping system lets players create temporary camps in the world where adventurers can rest, repair, access profession tools and contribute useful objects and buffs before continuing their journey.And if you’re already thinking about leveling your third alt before your first character has reached max level, Forever has something specifically for you. The new Legacy System adds account-wide progression through challenges involving classes, professions, PvP, exploration, dungeons and raids. Completing them earns Legacy Points that unlock perks and cosmetic rewards across your account. In other words, Forever gives you plenty of reasons to take the long way around. Veteran WoW players will understand exactly how dangerous that sentence is. Horde or Alliance? Yes, you still have to chooseSome traditions survive everything. The Alliance brings together races including Humans, Dwarves, Night Elves and Gnomes, while the Horde includes Orcs, Trolls, Tauren and Forsaken.Forever expands those possibilities further with the Skyborne, whose two branches join opposing factions. For a brand-new player, the practical answer is simple: choose whichever side has the race, fantasy and friends you actually want to play with.The emotionally correct answer is considerably more complicated and has caused arguments since 2004. CAST YOUR VOTE ALLIANCE Glory. Duty. Azeroth. HORDE Strength. Honor. Zug zug. CHOOSE YOUR SIDE ABOVE COMMUNITY: 48% ALLIANCE · 52% HORDE Which World of Warcraft: Forever edition should you get?This is where things can get confusing for a new player, so let’s make it simple. You do not need to buy a separate base game to access World of Warcraft: Forever. Access is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time.Blizzard also offers optional Forever upgrade packs with additional content such as Skyborne access, cosmetics, mounts, pets and other extras.The Skyborne Heroic Pack is the first upgrade tier. It is mainly for players who want access to Skyborne and Zephras Isle alongside its additional cosmetics and extras.The Skyborne Epic Pack includes the Heroic content, additional collectibles and 30 days of Game Time.Then there is the limited-time Warcraft Forever Collection, which bundles the Epic content with Warcraft III: Reforged and the new Forsaken Kingdom campaign. If you’re already hearing the Warcraft login music in your head, you probably know which category you belong to. .wow-product-module a.wow-cta { position:absolute !important; left:12px !important; right:12px !important; bottom:10px !important; display:block !important; height:42px !important; margin:0 !important; padding:0 !important; background:#ff4b0b !important; border-radius:999px !important; text-decoration:none !important; z-index:30 !important; } .wow-product-module a.wow-cta::after { content:"VIEW OFFER →" !important; position:absolute !important; top:0 !important; left:0 !important; display:block !important; width:100% !important; height:42px !important; color:#ffffff !important; font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif !important; font-size:13px !important; line-height:42px !important; font-weight:900 !important; text-align:center !important; text-decoration:none !important; pointer-events:none !important; } .wow-product-module a.wow-cta:hover { background:#e94408 !important; } AVAILABLE ON KINGUIN Choose your way into Azeroth View all → BETA ACCESS WoW: Forever Closed Beta Battle.net · PC · CD Key HEROIC PACK Skyborne Heroic Pack Battle.net · Altergift EPIC PACK Skyborne Epic Pack Battle.net · Altergift FULL COLLECTION Warcraft Forever Collection Battle.net · Altergift Marketplace prices can change. Check the product page for the current price, region, delivery method and activation requirements.Because Kinguin is a marketplace, multiple sellers can offer the same product. Competing offers can mean a lower price than standard retail, so there is little reason to memorize a number from an article that may change tomorrow.Check the current offers when you are actually ready to enter Azeroth. Is Kinguin safe for buying World of Warcraft: Forever?If you’re new to Kinguin, this is a fair question.Kinguin has operated as a digital marketplace since 2013 and serves millions of customers globally. It currently holds a 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating from more than 123,000 reviews, while payment security measures include a dedicated Fraud Prevention and Response team operating 24/7.Payment details are also not shared with third-party marketplace sellers.As with any marketplace purchase, however, you should still read the listing before paying. Check whether you are buying a key or Altergift, make sure the region matches your Battle.net account, read the activation instructions and check the seller information.Some Forever listings on Kinguin use Battle.net gifting rather than a standard CD key, so the delivery process may differ between products. Thirty seconds spent checking the listing is considerably faster than opening a support ticket because you bought the wrong region. BUYING ON KINGUIN 4.6/5 Trustpilot 123,000+ customer reviews Since 2013 Millions of customers globally 24/7 protection Fraud Prevention & Response Secure payments Payment details stay private Check the listing Key · Altergift · region New to WoW? Here’s what you’re actually going to do in AzerothThis is the part trailers sometimes make unnecessarily complicated. You create a character by choosing your faction, race and class, then enter Azeroth at level one.From there, you explore. You meet characters who give you quests. You fight enemies and grow stronger. You discover towns and cities, learn professions, find better equipment and gradually venture into more dangerous parts of the world.Eventually, you can enter dungeons, where a small group works together against tougher enemies and bosses. At higher levels, raids bring larger groups together for some of WoW’s biggest challenges. If fighting other players sounds more interesting, PvP is waiting. And if none of that sounds interesting, WoW has spent more than two decades proving that people will happily log in and spend an entire evening fishing.There is no single correct way to play World of Warcraft. Some players chase the hardest bosses in the game. Some live for PvP. Some collect mounts. Some make gold through professions. Some level twelve different characters because apparently one identity wasn’t enough.And somebody reading this will spend four hours jumping around Stormwind while talking to their guild. That counts too.How does Gold work in World of Warcraft: Forever?Ah, WoW Gold. You will meet each other very quickly.Gold is the everyday currency of Azeroth and touches an enormous amount of what you do. Players use it for trading, gear, consumables, crafting materials and plenty of other useful things throughout their adventures. You can absolutely earn Gold simply by playing.Questing, professions, trading and selling things you find are all part of the normal WoW experience. You can also eventually discover that the thing you desperately want costs considerably more Gold than you currently possess.This is another long-standing WoW tradition. For players who would rather spend their limited gaming time questing, running dungeons or preparing for raids instead of farming currency, Kinguin’s in-game marketplace provides another option. Kinguin already has World of Warcraft: Forever Gold listings for EU and US, separated by faction and realm type. Need gold for the road? View all → Choose your region and realm type, then explore the available offers. EU · NORMAL Alliance Gold WoW Forever · EU Normal VIEW OFFER → EU · PVP Alliance Gold WoW Forever · EU PvP VIEW OFFER → EU · ROLEPLAY Alliance Gold WoW Forever · EU Roleplay VIEW OFFER → US · NORMAL Alliance Gold WoW Forever · US Normal VIEW OFFER → US · PVP Alliance Gold WoW Forever · US PvP VIEW OFFER → US · ROLEPLAY Alliance Gold WoW Forever · US Roleplay VIEW OFFER → Scroll to explore more offers → WoW Gold isn’t the only shortcutKinguin’s Forever marketplace also includes categories for Currencies, Items and Boosting, which means the in-game section can grow beyond Gold as more player-to-player offers appear. But there is a useful rule here, especially if you’re new:Play the game first. Learn what you enjoy. Then decide where you actually want to save time.There is little point buying something simply because another player says you “need” it. WoW is enormous. What matters to somebody pushing difficult endgame content may be completely irrelevant to somebody happily exploring Azeroth, leveling professions and collecting pets. Your journey does not need to look like somebody else’s. Even if their gear looks annoyingly good. .wow-more-master .wow-more-button { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-more-master .wow-more-button:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(242,102,33,.23) !important; } MORE FROM AZEROTH Looking for Gold, items or boosts? Explore the full World of Warcraft marketplace. SEE ALL WOW OFFERS → Returning veteran? Here’s the short versionYou already know what Azeroth is.You know what it feels like when a dungeon run becomes an entire evening. You probably have strong feelings about at least one class redesign, one capital city and one expansion somebody else inexplicably loves. So here is what actually matters.Forever takes the original level 1–60 Azeroth and gives it somewhere new to go.It isn’t simply repeating the old expansion timeline. There are more than 1,000 new quests, new and expanded areas, new dungeons, revamped classes, expanded race/class combinations, Skyborne, deeper professions, Camping and account-wide Legacy progression.Is World of Warcraft: Forever worth playing?For newcomers, Forever offers something World of Warcraft has struggled to offer for years: a natural place to begin. You don’t arrive feeling like everyone else has been living in this world for two decades while you desperately Google what happened in twelve expansions.Everyone starts at level one. Veterans get something different.The continents are familiar, but the assumption that you already know exactly what waits around the next corner is gone. And that might be Forever’s most interesting idea.Instead of simply asking players to relive World of Warcraft’s past, it takes that past and asks: What if Azeroth got another future? .wow-faq-v1, .wow-faq-v1 *{ box-sizing:border-box !important; } .wow-faq-v1 .wow-faq-row{ transition: background .2s ease, border-color .2s ease, transform .2s ease !important; } .wow-faq-v1 .wow-faq-row:hover{ background:#ffffff !important; border-color:#d7c38a !important; } .wow-faq-v1 .wow-faq-question{ cursor:pointer !important; user-select:none !important; } .wow-faq-v1 .wow-faq-icon{ transition: transform .25s ease, background .2s ease !important; } BEFORE YOU ENTER AZEROTH World of Warcraft: Forever FAQ No 20-year lore degree required. Do I need to buy World of Warcraft: Forever separately? + No. Access to World of Warcraft: Forever is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time. Optional Forever packs add additional content and extras. What is the difference between WoW Classic and WoW: Forever? + WoW Classic recreates earlier versions of World of Warcraft. Forever begins with an Azeroth inspired by the game's original era, but is designed to develop in a different direction through new quests, zones, dungeons, systems and future content. What is included in the Skyborne Heroic Pack? + The Skyborne Heroic Pack is aimed at players who want access to Skyborne and Zephras Isle together with additional cosmetics and extras. What is included in the Skyborne Epic Pack? + The Skyborne Epic Pack includes the Heroic content plus additional collectibles and 30 days of Game Time. Can you buy World of Warcraft: Forever Gold on Kinguin? + Yes. Kinguin has marketplace listings for World of Warcraft: Forever Gold across EU and US regions, including different faction and realm combinations. Always check the region, faction, realm and individual listing details before purchasing. Azeroth is waiting. Again.World of Warcraft has spent more than two decades becoming enormous. Forever does something surprisingly refreshing with all that history: it gives players another beginning.New players get an Azeroth they can enter without feeling like they arrived twenty years late. Veterans get familiar continents filled with roads they haven’t already walked a hundred times. Everyone starts again at level one and gets to find out what this version of the world becomes.If you’re ready to go, check the current World of Warcraft: Forever editions and Game Time on Kinguin, compare the available marketplace offers and make sure you have the correct region and activation method before buying.If you’re already playing and your bags are full but your wallet isn’t, WoW: Forever Gold and other in-game offers are waiting too. Then there is only one decision left. Horde or Alliance? Choose carefully. People have been arguing about this since 2004. There is absolutely no reason to stop now.
Read moreTwenty-two years later, we’re going back to where it all began. World of Warcraft: Forever is now live, opening the doors to a new version of original Azeroth built for players who remember their first trip to Stormwind just as much as those who have absolutely no idea why everyone keeps shouting “FOR THE HORDE.”Both are welcome. Forever is an unusual chapter for World of Warcraft. It isn't simply another expansion added to the end of the existing game, nor is it Classic with prettier lighting. Blizzard describes it as a new permanent home alongside Modern and Classic WoW: an Azeroth rooted in the game's original era that can continue growing in its own direction through new stories, zones, dungeons and updates.For longtime players, that means familiar roads can lead somewhere genuinely new. For everyone who has spent the last 20 years looking at WoW from the outside and thinking, surely it is far too late to start now, Forever might be one of the easiest opportunities to finally find out what all the fuss is about. So, before you choose a faction, lose several hours creating your character and develop an unhealthy relationship with the Auction House, here's what you need to know.What exactly is World of Warcraft: Forever?Let's start with the newcomers. World of Warcraft is an MMORPG, which is a very efficient way of saying that thousands of people share an enormous online fantasy world and spend their time questing, exploring, fighting monsters, running dungeons, collecting gear, learning professions, fighting each other and standing in capital cities showing off mounts that took an unreasonable amount of time to obtain.The world is Azeroth, and it has been the home of WoW since 2004. Over more than two decades, that world has changed enormously through expansions. Modern World of Warcraft has continued moving forward, while WoW Classic allowed players to revisit older versions of the game.Forever takes a different path. It goes back to the spirit and geography of original Azeroth, but instead of preserving that world exactly as it was, Blizzard is expanding it. There are familiar places alongside new and enlarged zones, more than 1,000 new quests, new dungeons, new secrets and stories that build outward from WoW's first age. The level 1–60 journey matters again, and the plan is for this version of Azeroth to continue evolving through future content rather than eventually progressing through the same expansions WoW has already had.That distinction is probably the easiest way to understand Forever. Classic asks what it was like to play old WoW again. Forever asks what old WoW could have become if Azeroth had taken another road. If you have never played World of Warcraft before, you don't need 22 years of homework to start here.If you have played World of Warcraft for 22 years, you have probably already stopped reading this section and started arguing about class balance somewhere. Welcome home.What is actually new in WoW: Forever? Quite a lot. The biggest addition you will notice immediately is Skyborne, the new playable elven race from Zephras Isle. The race splits along faction lines: Windshaper Skyborne join the Horde and can become Shamans, while High Order Skyborne join the Alliance and can become Mages. Forever also opens new race-and-class combinations including Forsaken Paladins, Dwarf Shamans, Orc Mages, Troll Warlocks, Human Hunters and Gnome Priests.The familiar classes themselves have also been reworked, with updated abilities and specializations designed to keep their original identities while giving players new options. Then there is the world. Azeroth has received environmental and lighting upgrades, but the important changes go deeper than presentation. Blizzard has filled the 1–60 journey with new stories, locations, secrets and dungeons, giving veterans reasons to wander away from the routes they could probably still navigate with their eyes closed.Professions are much more involved too, with more than 600 new recipes, new crafted bonuses and profession objects that can be placed at campsites. The new Camping system lets players build temporary camps in the world where adventurers can rest, repair, access profession tools and contribute useful objects and buffs before continuing their journey.And if you're already thinking about leveling your third alt before your first character has reached max level, Forever has something specifically for you. The new Legacy System adds account-wide progression through challenges involving classes, professions, PvP, exploration, dungeons and raids. Completing them earns Legacy Points that can unlock perks and cosmetic rewards across your account. It rewards experimenting with different parts of Azeroth without requiring you to abandon your main character to benefit from it.In other words, Forever gives you plenty of reasons to take the long way around. Veteran WoW players will understand exactly how dangerous that sentence is.Horde or Alliance? Yes, you still have to chooseSome traditions survive everything. The Alliance brings together races including Humans, Dwarves, Night Elves and Gnomes, while the Horde includes Orcs, Trolls, Tauren and Forsaken. Forever expands those possibilities further with the Skyborne, whose two branches join opposing factions.For a brand-new player, the practical answer is simple: choose whichever side has the race, fantasy and friends you actually want to play with. The emotionally correct answer is considerably more complicated and has caused arguments since 2004. #wowHordeState, #wowAllianceState { opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; } #wowDefaultState { opacity: 1; } #wowHordeTarget:target ~ #wowDefaultState, #wowAllianceTarget:target ~ #wowDefaultState { opacity: 0; } #wowHordeTarget:target ~ #wowHordeState { opacity: 1; } #wowAllianceTarget:target ~ #wowAllianceState { opacity: 1; } .wowCard { transition: opacity .25s ease, filter .25s ease; } .wowVoteText { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 1px; } .wowLink:hover .wowCard { filter: brightness(1.18); } .wowLink:hover .wowVoteText { text-decoration: underline; } CHOOSE YOUR ALLEGIANCE Pick your side H HORDE Strength. Honor. Zug zug. VOTE HORDE → A ALLIANCE Glory. Duty. VOTE ALLIANCE → THE BATTLE SO FAR 52% HORDE / 48% ALLIANCE 52% HORDE ALLIANCE 48% Choose your faction above. YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED 53% HORDE / 47% ALLIANCE 53% HORDE ALLIANCE 47% Lok'tar Ogar. Your allegiance has been sworn. YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED 51% HORDE / 49% ALLIANCE 51% HORDE ALLIANCE 49% For the Alliance. Your allegiance has been sworn. Which version of WoW: Forever should you get?This is where things can get confusing for a new player, so let's make it simple. You do not need to buy a separate base game to access World of Warcraft: Forever. Access is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time. Blizzard also offers optional Forever upgrade packs that add things such as access to the Skyborne race and its starting experience, mounts, cosmetics, pets and other extras.The Skyborne Heroic Pack is the first upgrade tier and is mainly for players who want access to Skyborne and Zephras Isle alongside its cosmetics and extras.The Skyborne Epic Pack includes the Heroic content plus additional collectibles and 30 days of Game Time.Then there is the limited-time Warcraft Forever Collection, which goes further by bundling the Epic content with Warcraft III: Reforged and the new Forsaken Kingdom campaign, making it the obvious enthusiast option for someone who wants the broader Warcraft package. And this is where it is worth checking the price before buying. .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6 { transition: transform .22s ease, box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6:hover { transform:translateY(-4px) !important; box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-cover-v6 { transition:transform .30s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6:hover .wow-cover-v6 { transform:scale(1.035) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-offer-v6 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-offer-v6:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-view-all-v6 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-view-all-v6:hover { border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } View all → Loading products... Marketplace prices can change. Check the product page for current price, region, delivery method and activation requirements.Because Kinguin is a marketplace, multiple sellers can offer the same product and competing offers can mean a lower price than buying at standard retail. That is why we would not tell you to memorize one number from this article. Check the current offers when you are ready to enter Azeroth.Is Kinguin safe for buying World of Warcraft: Forever?If you are new to Kinguin, this is a fair question. Kinguin has operated as a digital marketplace since 2013 and serves millions of customers globally. It currently holds a 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot from more than 123,000 reviews, while payment security measures include a dedicated Fraud Prevention and Response team operating 24/7. Payment details are also not shared with third-party marketplace sellers.As with any marketplace purchase, however, you should still read the listing before paying.Check whether you are buying a key or Altergift, make sure the region matches your Battle.net account, read the activation instructions and look at the seller information. Some Forever listings on Kinguin use Battle.net gifting rather than a standard CD key, so the delivery process can differ between products. Thirty seconds spent reading the product page is considerably faster than opening a support ticket because you bought the wrong region. .kg-trust-clean-v2 { transition:box-shadow .25s ease !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.08) !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-item { transition:transform .2s ease !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-item:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-check { animation:kgCleanPulse 2.8s ease-in-out infinite; } @keyframes kgCleanPulse { 0%,100% { transform:scale(1); } 50% { transform:scale(1.06); } } New to WoW? Here is what you're actually going to do in AzerothThis is the part that trailers sometimes make unnecessarily complicated. You create a character by choosing your faction, race and class, then enter Azeroth at level one. From there, you explore. You meet characters who give you quests. You fight enemies and grow stronger. You discover towns and cities, learn professions, find better equipment and gradually venture into more dangerous parts of the world.Eventually, you can enter dungeons with other players, where a small group works together against tougher enemies and bosses. At higher levels, raids bring larger groups together for some of WoW's biggest challenges. If fighting other players sounds more interesting, PvP is waiting. If none of that sounds interesting, WoW has spent more than two decades proving that people will happily log in and spend an entire evening fishing.There is no single correct way to play World of Warcraft. Some players chase the hardest bosses in the game. Some live for PvP. Some collect mounts. Some make gold through professions. Some level twelve different characters because apparently one identity wasn't enough. And some person reading this will spend four hours jumping around Stormwind while talking to their guild. That counts too.You are going to need gold. Probably more than you think.Ah, WoW Gold. You will meet each other very quickly. Gold is the everyday currency of Azeroth, and it touches an enormous amount of what you do. It can be used for trading with other players, buying gear and consumables, picking up crafting materials and paying for other useful things throughout your adventure. Kinguin already has dedicated World of Warcraft: Forever Gold marketplace listings across EU and US servers, with offers separated by faction and realm type.You can absolutely earn gold by playing. Questing, professions, trading and selling things you find are part of the normal WoW experience. You can also discover that the thing you desperately want costs considerably more gold than you currently possess. This is another long-standing WoW tradition. For players who would rather spend their limited gaming time questing, running dungeons or preparing for raids instead of farming currency, Kinguin's in-game marketplace provides another option for getting the gold they need. .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1 { transition: transform .20s ease, box-shadow .20s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1:hover { transform:translateY(-4px) !important; box-shadow:0 12px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.20) !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cover-v1 { transition:transform .28s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1:hover .kg-gold-cover-v1 { transform:scale(1.04) !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-arrow-v1 { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-arrow-v1:hover { transform:scale(1.06) !important; background:#f26621 !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cta-v1 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cta-v1:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 10px rgba(242,102,33,.22) !important; } .kg-gold-track-v1::-webkit-scrollbar { display:none !important; } Always select the correct region, faction and realm before purchasing. Delivery methods and times vary by seller.This module should not just be a product carousel. I would make the user choose EU/US → Horde/Alliance → realm type and only then display matching listings. It turns what would normally be a boring sales block into something that actually helps a WoW player avoid buying the wrong product.Gold isn't the only shortcutKinguin's Forever marketplace is structured around Currencies, Items and Boosting, which means the in-game section can grow beyond gold as more player-to-player offers appear after launch. That gives us a good rule for new players:Play the game first. Learn what you enjoy. Then decide where you actually want to save time.There is little point buying something simply because another player says you “need” it. WoW is enormous, and the things that matter to someone pushing endgame content may be completely irrelevant to someone who is happily exploring Azeroth, leveling professions and collecting pets. Your journey does not need to look like somebody else's. Even if their gear looks annoyingly good. .kg-wow-all-v2 { transition: transform .22s ease, box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; box-shadow:0 14px 30px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2 .kg-wow-all-cta-v2 { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2 .kg-wow-all-cta-v2:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(242,102,33,.24) !important; } MORE FROM AZEROTH More than gold awaits. Games, upgrades, currency, items and more — all things Warcraft in one place. SEE ALL WOW OFFERS → Returning veteran? Here's the short versionYou already know what Azeroth is. You know what it feels like when a dungeon run becomes an entire evening. You probably have strong feelings about at least one class redesign, one capital city and one expansion somebody else inexplicably loves.So here is what matters. Forever takes the original level 1–60 Azeroth and gives it somewhere new to go. It isn't simply repeating the expansion timeline. There are more than 1,000 new quests, new and expanded areas, new dungeons, revamped classes, expanded race/class combinations, Skyborne, deeper professions, Camping and account-wide Legacy progression. It is familiar enough that you will recognize home. It is different enough that you will need to explore it again.Azeroth is waiting. Again.World of Warcraft has spent more than two decades becoming enormous. Forever does something surprisingly refreshing with all that history: it gives players another beginning.New players get an Azeroth they can enter without feeling like they arrived twenty years late. Veterans get familiar continents filled with roads they haven't already walked a hundred times. Everyone starts again at level one and gets to find out what this version of the world becomes.If you're ready to go, check the current WoW: Forever editions and Game Time on Kinguin, compare the available marketplace offers and make sure you have the right region and activation method before buying. If you're already playing and your bags are full but your wallet isn't, WoW: Forever Gold and other in-game offers are waiting too.Then there is only one decision left. Horde or Alliance? Choose carefully, people have been arguing about this for 22 years. There is absolutely no reason to stop now.
Read moreThe games most like The Blood of Dawnwalker are Vampyr, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Vampyr is the closest vampire match, with a cursed protagonist, claw-based combat and feeding choices that change the world around you. The Witcher 3 shares its creative lineage and dark fantasy storytelling, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance II offers the directional melee combat and grounded medieval drama many Dawnwalker fans enjoy.Best Games Like The Blood of Dawnwalker at a GlanceVampyr — A 2018 vampire RPG where a doctor feeds on Londoners, the closest match to Coen's nightly hunger.Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines — Troika's cult vampire RPG with clan powers, sharp writing and choices that reshape every conversation.Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 — A 2025 sequel set among Seattle's vampires, offering supernatural powers but a mixed player reception.V Rising — A survival game where you rebuild a vampire's power, hunting at night and hiding from the sun.Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered — A remaster of two gothic action-adventures set in Nosgoth, rich in dark fantasy and brooding atmosphere.Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition — A gothic hack-and-slash about Gabriel Belmont fighting vampires and darker forces across a medieval Europe.The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition — A huge open-world RPG where the Dawnguard expansion lets you become a vampire lord.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — CD Projekt RED's dark fantasy RPG, directed by the man who now leads Rebel Wolves.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II — A first-person medieval RPG with directional swordplay and grounded storytelling in 15th-century Bohemia.Cyberpunk 2077 — CD Projekt RED's story-driven open-world RPG, built on the same studio tradition as Dawnwalker's team.Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian's turn-based fantasy RPG with deep choices and a vampire spawn among its companions.Mass Effect Legendary Edition — BioWare's remastered sci-fi trilogy, where choices and companions carry across three connected games.VampyrAction RPG · Vampire curse, feeding choices · for Players who want the closest vampire matchVampire: The Masquerade - BloodlinesImmersive vampire RPG · Vampire powers, dialogue-driven story · for Fans of classic RPG writingVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2Action RPG · Vampire abilities, night-time city · for Vampire fans tolerant of rough edgesV RisingSurvival, base-building · Day-night danger, blood management · for Players who enjoy co-op and craftingLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 RemasteredAction-adventure, platformer · Gothic dark fantasy, soul feeding · for Fans of classic story-driven adventuresCastlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate EditionHack and slash · Gothic vampires, melee combat · for Players who prefer action over dialogueThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionOpen-world RPG · Optional vampire transformation, open world · for Explorers who like long-term character buildsThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntOpen-world action RPG · Same director, dark fantasy writing · for Anyone who wants the studio's rootsKingdom Come: Deliverance IIFirst-person medieval RPG · Directional melee, grounded storytelling · for Players who love realistic sword combatCyberpunk 2077Open-world action RPG · CD Projekt storytelling, mature themes · for Story fans open to sci-fiBaldur’s Gate 3Turn-based CRPG · Choices matter, vampire companion · for Players who value branching storiesMass Effect Legendary EditionSci-fi action RPG · Strong protagonist, consequential choices · for Fans of companion-driven trilogiesWhat Makes a Game Feel Like The Blood of Dawnwalker?A game feels like The Blood of Dawnwalker when it pulls on one of two threads. The first is the vampire fantasy: playing a cursed hero, using supernatural powers, managing a hunger for blood and walking through a gothic world after dark. The second is the craft Rebel Wolves inherited from The Witcher 3: a defined protagonist, morally gray writing, quests with consequences and weighty melee combat where the direction of each swing matters. Coen's split between human days and vampire nights, under a 30-day deadline, adds time pressure that makes every choice feel costly.Games Like The Blood of Dawnwalker for the Vampire FantasyThese picks are for players who finished Dawnwalker wanting more nights as a monster. Each one puts vampires at the center, whether you play as one, hunt them or slowly become one, and most lean into gothic atmosphere, blood-driven powers and uneasy moral choices.VampyrReleased2018DeveloperDONTNOD EntertainmentPublisherFocus EntertainmentMetacritic score72Steam scoreMostly PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, HorrorSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS *: Windows 7/8/10 (64 bits) Processor: Intel Core i3-2130 (3.4 GHz)/AMD FX-4100 (3.6 GHz) Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: 2 GB, GeForce GTX 1050 (Legacy GPU: GeForce GTX 660) / Radeon R7 370 Storage: 20 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS *: Windows 7/8/10 (64 bits) Processor: Intel Core i7-3930K (3.2 GHz)/AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (3.2 GHz) Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: 4 GB, GeForce GeForce GTX 970 / GTX 1060 / Radeon R9 390 Storage: 20 GB available space Vampyr is a 2018 action RPG by DONTNOD Entertainment, and many Dawnwalker players call it the closest vampire game to Rebel Wolves' debut. You play Jonathan Reid, a doctor turned into a vampire in 1918 London, torn between his oath to heal and his need to feed. There is also a fun link between the two games: Anthony Howell, who voiced Jonathan Reid, plays Pieter, Coen's father, in The Blood of Dawnwalker. Players often point to the shared claw-based combat and the weight of deciding who you feed on.The core loop mixes third-person melee with vampire abilities that you unlock by drinking blood. The catch is that the most powerful experience comes from feeding on named citizens, each with a backstory, relationships and secrets you uncover through conversation. Kill someone and their district can slide toward chaos, so every meal reshapes the city. Combat is simpler than in Dawnwalker and leans on dodging, stamina and blood powers, but the choice system around feeding gives it a moral tension that very few other vampire games match.Vampyr holds a Metacritic score of 72 and a Mostly Positive rating from Steam players, which reflects a game with clear rough edges and a loyal audience. Its combat can feel stiff and some areas repeat, yet the atmosphere of plague-ridden London and the feeding dilemmas still land well. If Coen's nightly struggle with his hunger was the part of Dawnwalker that stayed with you, Vampyr is the most natural next step, and its modest system requirements make it easy to run on most current PCs.Get Vampyr on KinguinVampire: The Masquerade - BloodlinesReleased2004DeveloperTroika GamesPublisherActivisionMetacritic score80Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, HorrorSystem requirementsMinimum: Required: 3D hardware accelerator card required - 100% DirectX® 9.0c-compatible 64MB video card and drivers 1.2 GHz Athlon™ or 1.2 GHz Pentium® III processor or higher 384MB of RAM (512MB of RAM recommended) Microsoft® Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP * 3.3 GB of uncompressed hard disk space for game files and saved games (plus 1.4 GB for Windows® swap file) 100% DirectX® 9.0-compatible 16-bit sound card and drivers 100% Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP-compatible mouse, keyboard, and drivers DirectX® 9.0c * Does not support Windows XP 64 Supported Chipsets for 98/ME/200/XP: All ATI® Radeon® Chipsets All NVIDIA® GeForce(tm) Chipsets Matrox® Parhelia(tm) Chipset Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is a cult classic RPG from Troika Games, originally released in 2004 and published by Activision. It shares Dawnwalker's interest in what it means to live as a vampire among humans, but tells that story through dialogue, factions and dark humor. You create a newly turned vampire in Los Angeles, choose a clan and get pulled into the politics of the night. It holds a Metacritic score of 80 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, a sign of how well it has endured.Your clan defines how you play. Some open up persuasion and social manipulation, others favor stealth, brute force or blood magic, and each changes how characters react to you. Quests can usually be solved in several ways, and the writing gives even small side characters a strong personality. The combat, a mix of first- and third-person melee and gunplay, is the weakest part of the package and has not aged well. Players who come for the role-playing usually forgive it, because the choices feel more meaningful than the fights.Bloodlines is from 2004, and it looks and plays like it. Expect dated visuals, clunky controls and some technical quirks, and many players add community patches for a smoother run. What still holds up is the atmosphere and the writing, which explain why the game is remembered as one of the best vampire RPGs ever made. If you want to see where the modern vampire RPG grew from, or simply want a story full of memorable characters, it is worth the patience in 2026.Get Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines on KinguinVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2Released2025DeveloperThe Chinese RoomPublisherParadox InteractiveSteam scoreMixedCategoriesRPG, ActionSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) Processor: Intel Core i3-8350K | AMD Ryzen 3 3300X Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) | AMD Radeon RX 480 (8GB) | Intel Arc A580 (8GB, Resizable BAR enabled) | AMD Radeon 780M | ROG Xbox Ally X DirectX: Version 12 Storage: 30 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 11 Processor: Intel Core i5-12600K | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (8GB) | AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12GB) DirectX: Version 12 Storage: 30 GB available space Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 is a 2025 action RPG developed by The Chinese Room and published by Paradox Interactive. It is the long-awaited sequel to the 2004 cult classic and, like Dawnwalker, puts you in control of a vampire with powers that make you far stronger than the people around you. The setting moves to Seattle, where you navigate the politics of the city's vampire society while trying to keep your nature hidden from humans. It is the most direct modern answer to anyone who wants more vampire nights.Compared with the original, this sequel leans more toward action. Supernatural abilities are central to combat and movement, and you can mix them with melee attacks to handle groups of enemies. Dialogue and faction choices are still part of the experience, though the focus has shifted from a sprawling role-playing sandbox to a more guided story. For Dawnwalker fans, the most familiar element is the feeling of using vampire powers in fights, closer to Coen's night-time abilities than to traditional RPG spellcasting.Bloodlines 2 holds a Mixed rating from Steam players, so it is fair to approach it with tempered expectations. It does not carry the same reputation as the original, and players are divided on how well it lives up to that legacy. Still, it is one of the few recent big-budget games built entirely around playing a vampire. If you have already finished Vampyr and the first Bloodlines and want a modern take on the same fantasy, it is worth trying with that caveat in mind.Get Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 on KinguinV RisingReleased2024DeveloperStunlock StudiosPublisherStunlock StudiosMetacritic score83Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, RPGSystem requirements Minimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: Windows 10 64 bit. Processor: Intel Core i5-6600, 3.3 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, 3.5 GHz. Memory: 12 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti (Maxwell or newer), 2 GB or AMD Radeon R7 360, 2 GB. DirectX: Version 11. Network: Broadband Internet connection. Storage: 19 GB available space. Additional Notes: Minimum System Requirements might change in the future. Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: Windows 10 64 bit. Processor: Intel Core i5-11600K, 3.9 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, 3.7 GHz. Memory: 12 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070, 8 GB or AMD Radeon RX 590, 8 GB. DirectX: Version 11. Network: Broadband Internet connection. Storage: 19 GB available space. Additional Notes: Recommended System Requirements might change in the future. V Rising is a 2024 open-world survival game from Stunlock Studios, and it takes the vampire fantasy in a very different direction from Dawnwalker. You wake as a weakened vampire after a long slumber and gradually rebuild your strength, your castle and your following. What links the two games is the rhythm of day and night: sunlight is a real threat, so you plan your hunts and travels around it, much like Coen has to balance what he can do by day and by night.The gameplay is built around crafting, base-building and isometric action combat. You gather resources, construct and expand a castle, and hunt powerful bosses to absorb their blood and unlock new abilities. Blood quality matters, since feeding on different targets grants different bonuses, which gives the game its own version of blood management. You can play solo or online with friends in co-op, and dedicated PvP and PvE servers offer very different experiences depending on how competitive you want it to be.V Rising holds a Metacritic score of 83 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, making it one of the best-received vampire games of recent years. It suits players who enjoyed Dawnwalker's night-time powers and want to spend many more hours feeling like a predator, especially with friends. Just know that this is not a narrative RPG. There is little dialogue or story choice here, so treat it as a long-term sandbox rather than a follow-up to Coen's tale, best enjoyed in long sessions.Get V Rising on KinguinLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 RemasteredReleased2024DeveloperAspyr / Crystal DynamicsPublisherAspyrSteam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, Hack and SlashSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10+ Processor: Intel i3 / AMD FX-4100 Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce GT 620 1gb / Radeon HD 8670D Storage: 2 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system Processor: Intel i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800 Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2080 /Radeon RX 6750 Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is a 2024 collection from Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics that brings two classic gothic action-adventures back to modern hardware. You play Raziel, a former vampire lieutenant betrayed by his master Kain and reborn as a soul-devouring wraith in the decaying world of Nosgoth. For Dawnwalker fans, the connection is the dark fantasy tone and a hero caught between two states of existence, with a story built on betrayal, curses and family-like loyalties gone wrong.The gameplay combines third-person combat, platforming and environmental puzzles. Raziel can shift between the material and spectral realms, which changes the layout of the world and opens new paths. He feeds on the souls of defeated enemies to restore his health, a mechanic that echoes the role of blood in Dawnwalker. Combat is fairly simple by modern standards, and much of the challenge comes from exploring and solving puzzles rather than mastering complex sword techniques. Switching realms to reach new areas is the series' signature idea and still feels clever.The remaster holds a Very Positive rating from Steam players, who appreciate seeing both classic games return in updated form. The series is remembered above all for its voice acting and theatrical, almost Shakespearean dialogue, which still stands out today. It is a great choice for players who loved Dawnwalker's gothic atmosphere and want something shorter and more focused. Its light system requirements also make it easy to play on older PCs and handheld gaming PCs, so almost anyone can try it.Get Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered on KinguinCastlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate EditionReleased2013DeveloperMercurySteam / Climax StudiosPublisherKONAMISteam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, Story Rich, Hack and SlashSystem requirementsMinimum: OS *: Windows XP – Service Pack 3 Processor: 2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo Memory: 1 GB RAM Graphics: Direct X9 compatible video card 512Mb Ram DirectX®: 9.0 Hard Drive: 15 GB HD space Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection Additional: Keyboard or Xinput compatible Joypad for control Recommended: OS *: Windows 7 or higher Processor: Quad Core CPU Memory: 2 GB RAM Graphics: Direct X11 compatible video card with 1024Mb Ram DirectX®: 11 Hard Drive: 15 GB HD space Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection Additional: Keyboard or Xinput compatible Joypad for control Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition is a gothic hack-and-slash game developed by MercurySteam and Climax Studios and published by Konami, released on PC in 2013. You play Gabriel Belmont, a holy warrior fighting vampires, werewolves and other creatures across a dark medieval Europe. It connects to Dawnwalker through its gothic setting, its vampire-heavy bestiary and a personal story driven by grief and family, even if it is far more linear than Rebel Wolves' RPG. Its tone is serious and mournful rather than playful.Combat is the heart of the game. Gabriel's Combat Cross works like a chained whip, and you build combos, dodge and block while switching between light and shadow magic to heal or deal extra damage. Large boss fights, including climbing on enormous creatures, are among the highlights, while quick-time events appear in many cinematic moments. There is no open world and few story choices, so the experience focuses on fighting and exploring a sequence of handcrafted levels. Upgrading Gabriel's moves with experience keeps the combat evolving as you progress.The Ultimate Edition holds a Very Positive rating from Steam players and bundles the base game with its additional content. It suits players who loved the combat side of Dawnwalker and want a more action-focused take on fighting vampires, with less dialogue and more spectacle. The visuals show their age in places, but the art direction and gothic architecture still look striking. Its modest hardware requirements also mean it runs well on most systems, including lower-end laptops and handheld gaming PCs.Get Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition on KinguinThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionReleased2016DeveloperBethesda Game StudiosPublisherBethesda SoftworksMetacritic score84Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction Games, Adventure, RPG, Open WorldSystem requirementsOS *: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit Version), Processor: Intel i5-2400/AMD FX-8320, Memory: 8 GB RAM, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB /AMD R9 290 4GB, Storage: 12 GB available spaceThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is a remastered open-world RPG from Bethesda Game Studios. On the surface, it is a fantasy adventure about dragons, but it also offers one of the most popular ways to become a vampire in gaming. The Dawnguard expansion, included in this edition, adds a full vampire questline where you can side with an ancient vampire clan or with the hunters trying to stop it. That optional curse makes it a natural match for Dawnwalker fans.As a vampire, you gain new powers but must feed regularly, and sunlight weakens you while some townsfolk react with hostility. Dawnguard also adds the Vampire Lord transformation, which turns you into a winged creature with blood magic and the ability to drain enemies. Outside the vampire content, Skyrim offers a huge open world, freeform character progression and countless side quests. Combat is simpler than Dawnwalker's directional swordplay, but you can mix melee, magic and archery as you like and build a character that fits your style.Skyrim holds a Metacritic score of 84 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, and it remains one of the most played RPGs on PC. Its modding community is a major reason to play it in 2026, since mods can improve visuals, rework combat and add new quests, including more vampire content. It is the right pick for players who want to live as a vampire for dozens or hundreds of hours and enjoy shaping their own adventure without a fixed protagonist.Get The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on KinguinGames Like The Blood of Dawnwalker for the Story and CombatThese games skip the fangs but deliver what many players loved most about Dawnwalker: a strong lead character, writing with real consequences and combat that rewards skill. Several come from the same Polish RPG tradition that shaped Rebel Wolves, and one shares its directional swordplay.The Witcher 3: Wild HuntKinguin score4.5Released2015DeveloperCD Projekt REDPublisherCD Projekt REDMetacritic score91Steam scoreOverwhelmingly PositiveCategoriesAdventureStrategyRPGStory richSystem requirementsMin: Windows 7/10 64-bit, Intel Core i5-2500K, 6 GB RAM, GTX 660 / HD 7870, 35 GB HDD. Recommended: i7-3770, 8 GB RAM, GTX 770.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a 2015 open-world RPG from CD Projekt RED, and it is the clearest spiritual ancestor of The Blood of Dawnwalker. Rebel Wolves was founded by former CD Projekt developers, and its director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz directed The Witcher 3. You play Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter Ciri. The search for family, the morally gray choices and the dark fantasy setting all feel familiar to anyone coming from Dawnwalker. In many ways, it is the template Rebel Wolves set out to build on.Gameplay combines third-person sword combat, signs (simple magic), alchemy and investigation of monster contracts. Quests rarely have clean outcomes, and decisions made early can return hours later in unexpected ways. The Blood and Wine expansion is especially interesting for Dawnwalker fans, as it centers on higher vampires in the sunny duchy of Toussaint. Combat does not use directional swordplay like Dawnwalker, but preparation, oils and potions give fights a thoughtful rhythm, especially on higher difficulty levels where careless attacks get punished.The Witcher 3 holds a Metacritic score of 91 and an Overwhelmingly Positive rating from Steam players, which puts it among the most acclaimed RPGs ever made. Even years after release, its writing, characters and side quests remain a benchmark for the genre. For anyone who enjoyed Dawnwalker's storytelling, it is the obvious next step and shows where the team's approach to quests and characters comes from. With its expansions, it offers well over a hundred hours of play, and it runs on a wide range of PCs.Get The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on KinguinKingdom Come: Deliverance IIReleased2025DeveloperWarhorse StudiosPublisherDeep SilverMetacritic score89Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, Open WorldSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer) Processor: Intel Core i5-8400, AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB), AMD Radeon RX 580 Storage: 100 GB available space Additional Notes: SSD required Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer) Processor: Intel Core i7-13700K, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D Memory: 32 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT Storage: 100 GB available space Additional Notes: SSD required Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a 2025 medieval RPG from Warhorse Studios, published by Deep Silver. It plays in first person rather than third, but it uses directional melee combat, which makes it one of the closest matches to the swordplay in The Blood of Dawnwalker. You follow Henry through 15th-century Bohemia in a grounded story without magic or monsters. Players often recommend it to Dawnwalker fans for its writing and characters as much as for its combat, even though it has no supernatural elements at all.Fights revolve around choosing the direction of your attacks, reading your opponent's guard and timing blocks and counters. It takes practice, and it rewards patience over button mashing. Around the combat sits a detailed simulation of medieval life, with skills that improve through use, hunger and fatigue, reputation with different groups and many ways to solve quests through dialogue, stealth or force. Choices affect how characters and towns treat you, and the main story is full of memorable personalities worth getting to know.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II holds a Metacritic score of 89 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. It is one of the strongest recent RPGs for players who want a grounded historical setting and a steep but satisfying combat system. Keep in mind that it is demanding on hardware, requiring an SSD and around 100 GB of storage. If directional swordplay was your favorite part of Dawnwalker, this is the game to play next, and the learning curve pays off within a few hours.Get Kingdom Come: Deliverance II on KinguinCyberpunk 2077Released2020DeveloperCD PROJEKT REDPublisherCD PROJEKT REDMetacritic score86Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAdventure, Strategy, RPG, Story richSystem requirementsRequires a 64-bit processor and operating system; OS: 64-bit Windows 10; Processor: Core i7-12700 or Ryzen 7 7800X3D; Memory: 16 GB RAM; Graphics: GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER or Radeon RX 5700 XT or Arc A770; DirectX: Version 12; Storage: 70 GB available space; Additional Notes: SSD required.Cyberpunk 2077 is a 2020 open-world action RPG from CD Projekt RED, the studio where many Rebel Wolves developers built their careers. It trades dark fantasy for a futuristic Night City, but the storytelling approach will feel familiar to Dawnwalker fans: a defined lead character, morally complex side quests and a main story driven by a ticking clock. You play V, a mercenary dealing with a life-threatening problem, much like Coen fighting against the 30-day deadline to save his family.Combat is mostly first-person, with firearms, melee weapons, cyberware implants and hacking that let you build very different playstyles. You can fight head-on, sneak through areas or disable enemies remotely. Quests often branch based on dialogue choices, and companions such as Johnny Silverhand play a central role in the story. The Phantom Liberty expansion adds a spy thriller storyline with its own branching outcomes, and it is well worth experiencing for its writing and characters and its tense, focused missions.Cyberpunk 2077 holds a Metacritic score of 86 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. The game had a troubled launch in 2020, but years of updates have turned it into one of CD Projekt RED's most respected works. It suits Dawnwalker fans who care more about writing and characters than about the vampire setting. Just note that it is demanding, with an SSD required and around 70 GB of storage space needed for the base game. A capable PC will get the most out of Night City.Get Cyberpunk 2077 on KinguinBaldur’s Gate 3Kinguin score4.5Released2023DeveloperLarian StudiosPublisherLarian StudiosMetacritic score92Steam scoreOverwhelmingly PositiveCategoriesAdventureStrategyRPGStory richSystem requirementsMin: Windows 10/11 64-bit, Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, GTX 660 / Radeon HD 7870; Recommended: i7, 16 GB RAM, GTX 1070Baldur’s Gate 3 is a 2023 fantasy RPG from Larian Studios, based on Dungeons & Dragons. It plays very differently from Dawnwalker, with turn-based combat instead of real-time swordplay, but it shares the focus on choices that matter and characters with real depth. One of its most popular companions, Astarion, is a vampire spawn, and his storyline explores hunger, control and freedom in a way that will feel familiar to anyone who spent nights as Coen. It is also a fine pick for anyone who enjoys a big party of companions.You create your own hero or play as one of the predefined origin characters, then travel with a party of companions whose reactions depend on your decisions. Combat is tactical and turn-based, using terrain, height, spells and items to outsmart enemies. Quests can be approached in many ways, from persuasion to stealth to open fighting, and the game remembers your choices across its three acts. It also supports co-op, so you can play the whole story with friends and compare the very different paths each of you took.Baldur’s Gate 3 is widely regarded as one of the best RPGs of recent years and set a new standard for choice-driven storytelling. For Dawnwalker fans, it is a strong pick if the moral decisions and character relationships were what kept you playing. The turn-based combat takes some getting used to if you prefer action, but it rewards planning and creativity. With its length and multiple origin characters, it also offers great replay value well into 2026, especially if you try a different origin or alignment on a second run.Get Baldur’s Gate 3 on KinguinMass Effect Legendary EditionReleased2021DeveloperBioWarePublisherElectronic ArtsMetacritic score87Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, AdventureSystem requirementsRequires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: 64-bit Windows 10. Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X. Memory: 16 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 / RTX 200, Radeon Vega 56, 4 GB Video Memory. DirectX: Version 11. Storage: 120 GB available space.Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a 2021 remaster of BioWare's original sci-fi trilogy, published by Electronic Arts. It has no vampires and no swords, but it delivers what many Dawnwalker players value most: a strong protagonist, memorable companions and choices with lasting consequences. You play Commander Shepard, leading a crew across the galaxy to confront a threat to all life, and decisions made in the first game can shape events in the third. That long-term payoff is something few RPG series have matched since.Gameplay combines third-person cover shooting with abilities based on your chosen class, such as biotic powers or tech skills. You recruit and command a squad of companions, each with personal missions, relationships and moral dilemmas. Dialogue choices shape your reputation and how characters respond to you. The remaster updates the visuals and improves several gameplay elements of the first game, which makes the full trilogy easier to enjoy today than playing the original releases on modern hardware, without old technical hurdles.Mass Effect Legendary Edition holds a Metacritic score of 87 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. It suits Dawnwalker fans who enjoyed the storytelling and want a long, character-driven journey with choices that carry forward. Playing all three games back to back makes your decisions feel more personal, especially in the final chapter. It needs around 120 GB of storage, so check your free space before installing. Few RPG series reward patience with such a satisfying sense of continuity across all three games.Get Mass Effect Legendary Edition on KinguinFrequently Asked QuestionsWhat type of game is The Blood of Dawnwalker?The Blood of Dawnwalker is a dark fantasy action RPG developed by Rebel Wolves and published by Bandai Namco, released in September 2026. You play Coen, who is human by day and a vampire by night, and has 30 in-game days to save his family. It combines directional swordplay with vampire powers and blood management.What is the best vampire game like The Blood of Dawnwalker?Vampyr is the vampire game most players point to as the closest match. You play a doctor turned vampire in 1918 London, and many players note its claw combat and feeding choices feel similar. Anthony Howell, who voiced Vampyr's hero, also plays Coen's father in Dawnwalker. Bloodlines and V Rising are strong alternatives.Is there a game with combat like The Blood of Dawnwalker?Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the closest match for Dawnwalker's directional melee combat. It plays in first person, but you choose the direction of each attack and time blocks against your opponent's guard. For a story-driven alternative, The Witcher 3 offers third-person swordplay, though without directional attacks.Are there any sequels to The Blood of Dawnwalker?No sequel has been announced so far. The Blood of Dawnwalker is the first game from Rebel Wolves, a Polish studio founded by former CD Projekt developers, and it was released in September 2026. Until the studio shares more, games like Vampyr and The Witcher 3 are the best way to continue.Is The Blood of Dawnwalker similar to The Witcher 3?Yes, in several ways. Rebel Wolves was founded by former CD Projekt developers, and director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz directed The Witcher 3. Both are dark fantasy RPGs with a defined protagonist and morally complex choices. Dawnwalker adds directional swordplay, vampire powers at night and a 30-day deadline that puts time pressure on every decision.
Read moreAutumn has a strange way of convincing us that we should learn how to make things. Maybe this will finally be the year we learn to sew. Maybe we should start making our own clothes. Perhaps we need a box full of beautiful fabric scraps, even though we have absolutely no plan for what happens after we buy them. One particularly ambitious Pinterest board later, we are apparently also restoring old furniture and opening an Etsy shop.We support the vision. We also know that starting a new hobby usually means buying supplies, finding somewhere to keep those supplies and eventually discovering that sewing in a straight line is a skill rather than a basic human instinct.Games make the first step much easier. There is a particular kind of comfort in games that let you make something slowly. You choose the fabric, move the pieces around until they fit, add a little detail because it makes you happy and eventually get to look at something that did not exist before you sat down.So, for our final autumn hobby, we are putting away the fishing rod and mushroom basket and getting crafty. There are dresses to sew, quilts to finish, stickers to design and old things that deserve another chance.Dressmaker lets you discover exactly how ambitious your sewing era really is If you have ever looked at a beautiful dress and thought that making one yourself cannot possibly be that difficult, Dressmaker is here to answer that question. Released in September 2026, Dressmaker is built around the actual process of making clothes rather than simply choosing a design and watching a progress bar fill up. You select fabrics, arrange pattern pieces, cut them out and sew the panels together before adding buttons, bows, appliqué, lace and other decorations. Even the way you position a pattern on the fabric matters, because what you cut is what eventually appears on the finished garment.There is something especially satisfying about how physical the whole process feels. You guide fabric through the sewing machine yourself and gradually watch separate pieces become an actual dress. If you care about doing things properly, there is plenty here to learn about grain, bias, measurements and using your fabric efficiently. If you mostly care about making something beautiful, there is also plenty of room to experiment with colors, materials and decorations.And because this is a video game, making a mistake does not mean staring at a crooked seam for twenty minutes before reluctantly reaching for the seam ripper. That alone might make this the superior form of sewing.The finished dresses can be made for commissions or created from your own ideas, which makes Dressmaker feel less like a fashion dress-up game and much more like having a little digital sewing room of your own. You begin with fabric and a pattern. A while later, there is a dress on the mannequin that exists because of all the tiny decisions you made along the way. We understand why people get into this hobby now. We are still slightly afraid of real sewing machines. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Quilts and Cats of Calico answers the important question: what if quilting had more cats? There are few things more naturally cozy than a handmade quilt. Apparently, one of them is a handmade quilt with a sleeping cat on top. Quilts and Cats of Calico turns quilting into a puzzle where you arrange patterned fabric scraps into a growing design. Matching colors and patterns helps you score, while creating the right combinations lets you sew buttons onto your quilt and attract cats, each of whom has their own very specific preferences about what constitutes an acceptable place for a nap.The actual sewing is abstracted into a board-game puzzle, so you will not be threading needles or guiding fabric through a machine here. Instead, the pleasure comes from taking a collection of pieces that do not seem particularly useful on their own and slowly finding a way to make them belong together.Sometimes you will place a patch because it is exactly what your carefully planned quilt needs. Sometimes you will place it because a cat likes that pattern. We know which design philosophy we respect more.The cats themselves wander around the board, nap on your work and can even be petted while you play. You can create your own cats too, customizing their appearance and giving them little outfits before allowing them to interfere with your quilting session. Anyone who has attempted a craft project in a house with a cat will recognize this as an unusually accurate simulation. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Patchwork turns the scrap basket into a very clever little puzzle If Quilts and Cats of Calico makes you want more patchwork but you would prefer your quilting session with slightly fewer feline supervisors, there is always Patchwork. This digital adaptation of Uwe Rosenberg's board game gives two players their own empty quilt and a shared selection of fabric pieces. Each patch has its own shape and cost, and choosing one also uses up time, so building a beautiful quilt becomes a surprisingly thoughtful exercise in deciding which pieces are worth taking and how to fit them together without leaving awkward gaps.It captures something very satisfying about real patchwork without asking you to actually sew anything. A strange little piece that seemed impossible to use five minutes ago might suddenly fit perfectly into the one annoying gap you have been staring at. Slowly, the empty board fills with different colors and patterns until you have something that looks like a quilt rather than a collection of questionable decisions.There is competition involved, so this one can become considerably less peaceful if you and your chosen quilting partner are both taking the button economy seriously. Apparently even sewing can have enemies. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... .kg-newsletter-v4 { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4:focus { outline:none !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(242,102,33,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-checkbox-v4 { accent-color:#f26621 !important; cursor:pointer !important; } Join our newsletter Deals, new releases and gaming picks worth opening another tab for. Enter a valid email address. I agree to receive marketing communication from Kinguin. Please tick the box to join. Nice. You’re on the list ✓ Something went wrong. Please try again. Assemble with Care is for everyone who cannot throw old things away Not everything we make needs to start from scratch. Sometimes the nicest thing you can do with your hands is take something broken and give it another chance.Assemble with Care follows Maria, an antique restorer who arrives in the town of Bellariva and begins repairing treasured possessions for the people who live there. You take objects apart, examine how their pieces work together and carefully rebuild them until an old camera, cassette player or another well-loved object can work again.There is a wonderfully tactile quality to these repairs. Screws need removing, parts need turning over and mechanisms need understanding before everything can go back where it belongs. The puzzles are gentle enough that the act of fixing something remains the focus, and the objects themselves carry memories for the people who bring them to you.That makes each repair feel a little more meaningful than simply getting a machine working again. Most of us have at least one thing we keep because it belonged to someone, reminds us of somewhere or has simply been around for so long that throwing it away feels wrong. Assemble with Care understands that objects can collect stories along with their scratches. Sometimes fixing an old thing is easier than replacing it. Sometimes it means more, too. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Sticky Business is your Etsy era without the trip to the post office Perhaps fabric is not your thing. Perhaps your true calling is owning an online sticker shop with an extremely specific aesthetic.Sticky Business lets you design your own stickers by combining different graphics, shapes and effects into whatever tiny creations your heart desires. You build collections, arrange sticker sheets and sell your designs through your own little online business. When an order arrives, you pack it yourself and can add extras to make the parcel feel special for the person opening it. It is that last part that makes the whole thing especially lovely.Your customers are not just order numbers appearing on a screen. As people return to your shop, you learn pieces of their stories through their orders. The stickers you design begin to feel like small things being sent to actual people rather than products disappearing into an imaginary delivery van. And because you control the designs, your shop can become as specific as you want it to be. You can make cute animals, witchy stickers, ridiculous faces or cover everything in sparkles because nobody can stop you.This is your small business. There is no brand manager. Go wild. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Tiny Bookshop is what happens when DIY becomes making a space feel like yours Tiny Bookshop stretches our definition of DIY a little, because you will not be sewing, cutting or repairing anything here. But anyone who has ever spent an entire weekend rearranging a room knows that making a space your own can scratch exactly the same creative itch.You run a tiny second-hand bookshop from a trailer and travel around the seaside town of Bookstonbury, setting up in different locations and getting to know the people who stop by. Alongside choosing which books to stock and recommending them to customers, you can fill your shop with objects you collect and decide what kind of place you want it to become.You can cover it in plants. You can lean into candles and make it feel a little mysterious. You can surround yourself with the kinds of things you would actually want nearby while spending a quiet afternoon selling books.Those decorations are not completely cosmetic either. Items can affect customers and introduce new mechanics, so making the shop feel like yours also changes how your little business works. There is no fabric involved and we cannot reasonably call rearranging a bookshop sewing. We tried. But Tiny Bookshop understands the same pleasure that runs through every game on this list: starting with something plain and slowly adding little pieces of yourself until it feels like yours. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Maybe this autumn we make somethingOur autumn hobby club started in the kitchen. Then we went fishing, disappeared into the woods looking for mushrooms and somehow ended up here, surrounded by fabric scraps, buttons, stickers and one cat that has decided to sleep directly on our unfinished quilt.That feels like a pretty good place to finish. There is something especially comforting about making things during the slower part of the year. You do not necessarily need the finished object to be perfect, useful or impressive enough to show anyone else. Sometimes choosing the fabric is fun. Sometimes arranging tiny stickers for twenty minutes is fun. Sometimes fixing an old cassette player or decorating a miniature bookshop is enough to make an evening feel nicely spent.And games let us enjoy that little spark of creativity without needing a craft room, a sewing machine or a drawer containing 47 different kinds of glue. Although, after playing Dressmaker, we cannot promise you will not start looking at sewing machines. If that happens, we accept no responsibility. Happy crafting 🧵 Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale →
Read moreThere is a point every autumn when perfectly normal people suddenly start looking at the forest floor with great interest. A little rain falls, the leaves turn orange and mushroom season begins. Someone in your family already knows the spot. Someone else refuses to tell anyone where the spot is. There are baskets involved. Boots come out. Every walk through the woods becomes a treasure hunt. Unfortunately, real mushroom picking comes with one fairly important rule: you really need to know what you’re picking. Video games are much more forgiving.In Among Trees, you can wander through a beautiful wilderness and gather mushrooms on your way home. Cozy Grove hides different varieties among its leaf piles. Potion Permit lets you forage for mushrooms and turn what you find into something useful, while Wytchwood takes the whole autumn-foraging fantasy and adds witchcraft, potions and ingredients with names like Hagshroom. And if picking mushrooms isn’t enough, we also found games where you can identify strange fungi, wear a mushroom hat or simply become a mushroom yourself. 🍄 Grab a basket. We’re going into the woods. Among Trees makes getting lost in the woods sound like a very good plan Most of us have been taught that wandering alone into the wilderness with no clear plan is generally a bad idea. Among Trees makes a surprisingly convincing counterargument. You begin with a small wooden cabin hidden deep in a colorful forest and gradually learn how to live around it. The wilderness provides much of what you need, which means leaving the safety of your little home to explore, gather resources and see what is growing beyond the next patch of trees. Mushrooms are among the things you can forage directly from the forest floor, alongside plants such as chicory and other useful materials.That simple act of heading outside to see what you can find gives Among Trees much of its autumn charm. A trip through the woods does not always need a grand destination. Sometimes you notice something useful growing nearby, take a small detour to collect it and eventually return to your cabin with a backpack full of things you did not necessarily leave home looking for.There is survival involved, so this is not a completely responsibility-free walk in the woods. You need food, you need resources and the wilderness deserves a little respect. But there are long stretches where simply exploring the forest becomes its own reward.And honestly, coming home to a tiny wooden cabin after spending the afternoon gathering mushrooms in the woods might be the most aggressively autumn activity a video game can offer. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Cozy Grove knows that the best mushrooms are hiding under the leaves Cozy Grove already has an excellent setup for anyone currently experiencing mushroom season brainrot: you are a Spirit Scout camping on a haunted island, surrounded by forests, friendly ghost bears and a seemingly endless supply of little things waiting to be discovered.Naturally, there are mushrooms. Several kinds, actually. While exploring the island and rummaging through leaf piles, you can find varieties including brown and red mushrooms, poison mushrooms, chanterelles and rarer trumpet mushrooms. Your finds can then be burned into roasted mushrooms and used in cooking, donated to your collection or occasionally handed over to hungry imps.It makes mushroom hunting part of the larger pleasure of checking in on the island each day. You never quite know what has appeared since your last visit, so there is always a reason to wander away from camp, poke around under some leaves and see what the forest has decided to give you.Finding a chanterelle hiding in a leaf pile scratches exactly the same tiny part of the brain as spotting one on an autumn walk. Except this one cannot poison you. We consider that an improvement. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... .kg-newsletter-v4 { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4:focus { outline:none !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(242,102,33,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-checkbox-v4 { accent-color:#f26621 !important; cursor:pointer !important; } Join our newsletter Deals, new releases and gaming picks worth opening another tab for. Enter a valid email address. I agree to receive marketing communication from Kinguin. Please tick the box to join. Nice. You’re on the list ✓ Something went wrong. Please try again. Potion Permit turns your mushroom basket into medicine Moving to Potion Permit means upgrading our basket to something slightly more professional. You arrive in the small town of Moonbury as a chemist, which means the plants, minerals and other ingredients growing outside town are not just pretty things to collect. They are the raw materials you need to diagnose illnesses, brew remedies and look after the people living there.Mushrooms are one of the ingredients you can forage in Meadow Range, where patches grow in several locations and can be harvested with your sickle. They are useful outside the potion-making side of your job too, appearing in dishes including mushroom soup and black truffle pasta.That makes heading out to gather ingredients feel especially satisfying because you usually know those things are coming home with you for a reason. What looks like a quiet afternoon spent searching through the countryside eventually becomes somebody's medicine, tonight's dinner or another little step towards becoming part of Moonbury.You also have a dog who follows you around. This is relevant because every autumn walk is improved by a dog. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Wytchwood is mushroom picking after you fully commit to the witch aesthetic If Potion Permit feels like responsible herbalism, Wytchwood is what happens when you stop pretending this is a normal hobby and become the strange witch living at the edge of the forest. Which, to be clear, we fully support.Wytchwood sends you through a beautifully illustrated fairytale world gathering an enormous variety of plants, creatures and considerably stranger ingredients for your spells and recipes. Among the first things you learn to collect are Hagshrooms, mushrooms growing right on the ground around your home and in the forest. You do not even need a special tool to gather them.They quickly become useful. Hagshrooms appear in recipes for things like Mending Poultice and Unveiling Powder, so spotting one during a walk through the forest is less about filling a collection and more about thinking ahead to whatever strange concoction you might need next.And that is where Wytchwood really nails the fantasy of autumn foraging. You are constantly looking at the world around you as a collection of useful little treasures. A mushroom is an ingredient. A herb might be important later. Something slightly suspicious growing near a tree is absolutely going in the bag.Real mushroom pickers may bring a field guide. You have a grimoire. Same hobby, different commitment level. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products...
Read moreThere is a very specific kind of peace that comes with fishing in video games. You find a nice spot by the water, cast your line and wait. For a moment, there is nowhere you need to be and nothing particularly urgent happening. Maybe something bites. Maybe it doesn’t. Either way, you get to sit there for a little while.Real fishing unfortunately requires getting up early, checking the weather, finding actual fishing gear and accepting the possibility that you may spend several hours outside without catching anything.Video game fishing asks considerably less of you. And since autumn is exactly the time of year when staying somewhere warm while pretending to spend the afternoon by a lake sounds particularly appealing, we went looking for some of our favorite fishing games and fishing spots.Some give you nothing but a rod, a quiet lake and plenty of time. Others wrap fishing into stories about rebuilding communities, making friends or starting a new life somewhere far away. One of them may contain unspeakable horrors from the depths of the ocean, but we’ll deal with that when we get there.For now, grab your rod. We’re going fishing.Cast n Chill understands that sometimes fishing is the whole plan The name really does tell you everything you need to know. Cast n Chill is a game about finding a beautiful stretch of water, casting your line and seeing what bites. There are lakes, rivers and oceans to explore, different species to discover and better equipment to unlock as you sell your catches and gradually become a more capable angler. You can chase rare fish and legendary catches if you want a goal, but the game is equally happy to let you take things slowly.And taking things slowly feels particularly good here. There is no town demanding your attention and no farm waiting to be watered before you leave. The landscape, pixel art and simple rhythm of casting and reeling give fishing enough room to be the main event rather than a side activity squeezed between twenty other things on your to-do list.You can even bring your loyal little companion along for the trip, which immediately improves any fishing expedition by at least 70 percent. We checked the math.If the reason you clicked on an article about cozy fishing games was because you genuinely just want to fish, this is probably the purest version of that fantasy on our list. Cast n Chill up to 53% off Get Cast n Chill → Moonglow Bay gives you a reason to keep coming back to shore Moonglow Bay begins from a much more emotional place.You play as a rookie angler trying to fulfil the final wish of your partner while living in a struggling fishing town on the Canadian coast. What begins with you picking up a rod gradually becomes a story about getting to know this place, reconnecting with its community and helping Moonglow Bay find its feet again.Fishing is at the center of almost everything you do, and there is plenty of it. You can cast a line, set traps, use nets and even go ice fishing while working your way through more than 150 aquatic species. Your catches do not simply disappear into a sell box either. Fish can become meals or end up in the local aquarium, while your time on the water slowly feeds into the larger job of bringing life back to the town.That gives each trip a lovely sense of purpose. You can head out in your boat, spend some time on the water and return with something that matters back home.Moonglow Bay can get emotional, and its story begins with grief, so this isn't completely fluffy comfort food. But there is a lot of warmth in what comes afterwards. At its heart, this is a game about slowly putting things back together, one fishing trip at a time. Moonglow Bay up to 80% off Get Moonglow Bay → Luna’s Fishing Garden lets you fix an entire world with a fishing rod If your preferred fishing spot needs to be approximately 40 percent more magical, Luna’s Fishing Garden has you covered. You play as Cassie, who wakes up on a strange collection of islands after a storm and meets Luna, a mysterious fox spirit whose garden has been damaged. From there, fishing becomes part of restoring this little watery world.The whole thing is deliberately small and gentle. You catch fish, meet the spirits living around the islands, clean up the surrounding waters and plant new trees and flowers as the garden begins to recover. There is progression and plenty to collect, but very little pressure to turn any of it into work.That is important because Luna’s Fishing Garden understands something that cozy games occasionally forget: relaxation does not need to become another productivity challenge. You can work towards restoring everything perfectly. Or you can find a nice place and fish for a while. Luna will survive. Luna’s Fishing Garden up to 82% off Get Luna’s Fishing Garden → Disney Dreamlight Valley lets you go fishing with Goofy, which is difficult to argue withSometimes fishing is better when you can bring a friend. Disney Dreamlight Valley is much bigger than its fishing mechanic, of course. It is a life-sim and adventure game where you build your own version of Dreamlight Valley alongside a growing collection of Disney and Pixar characters. You can decorate your home, cook with Remy, garden with WALL-E and spend an afternoon fishing with Goofy. And fishing fits surprisingly naturally into that daily routine.Different parts of the Valley have their own waters and catches, so grabbing your rod gives you another reason to wander between its biomes. The fish you bring home can become ingredients for meals, help with quests or simply contribute to whatever little goal you have decided matters that day.But the nicest way to do it is probably to bring one of your villagers along. Fishing then becomes less about hunting down another resource and more like one of those tiny activities you do while spending time in the Valley. Pick someone you like, head towards the water and stay there until you decide you have had enough.If Goofy wants to come, obviously you let Goofy come. Those are the rules. Disney Dreamlight Valley up to 74% off Get Disney Dreamlight Valley → Stardew Valley can turn “one quick fishing trip” into an entire afternoon There are people who love fishing in Stardew Valley. There are also people who spent their first few hours wondering why a tiny pixel fish seemed personally determined to ruin their day. Both experiences are valid.Fishing is one of Stardew Valley’s five main skills, and it becomes much more satisfying once you start learning how it works. Different fish appear depending on the location, season, weather and time of day, which means a casual trip to the river can eventually turn into knowing exactly where you need to be when it starts raining on a Tuesday in fall. You can also craft bait, use bobbers and set crab pots while working towards catching everything the Valley has to offer. The nice part is that none of this needs to be your goal.Some days you can simply take your rod down to the beach, stand at the end of the pier and see what happens. When the sun starts going down, you walk home with whatever you managed to catch and tomorrow you can do something completely different. Or you can become completely obsessed with catching one particular fish. That is between you and the fish. Stardew Valley up to 86% off Get Stardew Valley → DREDGE is cozy fishing for people with a slightly concerning definition of cozy Okay. We need to talk about DREDGE. If your definition of a cozy fishing trip involves calm water, a warm sunset and perhaps a little picnic on the shore, DREDGE would like to know how you feel about cosmic horror.On paper, parts of it sound almost perfect for this list. You captain a small fishing trawler around a remote archipelago, head out to find different species, sell your catch when you return and use the money to improve your boat and equipment. There are more than 125 deep-sea creatures to discover, islands to explore and plenty of reasons to make one more trip before calling it a day. It is an incredibly satisfying loop. There is just one tiny problem. You probably want to be home before dark.DREDGE is officially an adventure-horror game, and the further you travel, the clearer it becomes that something is very wrong with these waters. Strange things start appearing in your nets. The islands have secrets. Your fisherman gets increasingly uneasy when he stays at sea too long, and the darkness is considerably less empty than you would like it to be.So no, DREDGE is not wholesome in the same way as Cast n Chill or Luna’s Fishing Garden. But there is something oddly comforting about its routine. Leaving the harbour in the morning, filling the boat, arranging your catch in the cargo hold and racing home as the sun begins to disappear can become its own little ritual.It is fishing for people who find inventory management relaxing but would also like the ocean to occasionally threaten their sanity. We’re not judging your comfort games. DREDGE up to 87% off Get DREDGE → Maybe we understand why every cozy game eventually adds a fishing rodFishing has become such a familiar part of cozy games that seeing a little pond without a fishing mechanic can almost feel suspicious. But after spending enough time with these games, it makes sense. Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale → Fishing gives you permission to stop. You cast a line and, for a few seconds, there is nothing else you can do except wait. You notice the water, the music and whatever is happening around your character. Even in games packed with quests, crops, friendships and things begging for your attention, standing beside a river can create a tiny break in the middle of everything else.Sometimes that break lasts thirty seconds. Sometimes you suddenly realise you have spent your entire in-game day standing on the same pier. And sometimes the sun goes down, an ancient horror crawls out of the ocean and you remember that you are playing DREDGE. Nobody said every fishing trip had to end peacefully 🎣
Read moreThere is something about autumn that makes spending an entire evening in the kitchen sound like a genuinely good idea. Maybe it is the colder weather. Maybe it is the fact that cinnamon suddenly belongs in everything. Or maybe our brains simply see one orange leaf and decide that we should immediately bake a pie, make soup and own at least three unnecessarily beautiful mugs.If your perfect autumn evening involves warm cafés, tiny bakeries, homemade food and the gentle satisfaction of making something nice for someone else, we have picked nine games worth putting on the menu. Some will let you build the bakery of your dreams, some will put you behind a busy counter, and others use food to tell stories that stay with you long after the kitchen closes.So, what are we having?Lemon Cake is the little bakery fantasy we wanted as children If your dream bakery includes homegrown strawberries, freshly baked pastries, a greenhouse and a friendly ghost, Lemon Cake has somehow managed to tick every box.You inherit an abandoned bakery that has definitely seen better days, and much of the pleasure comes from slowly making it feel alive again. The building needs repairing and decorating, the kitchen needs running, and your ingredients do not simply appear in an inventory whenever you need them. You can grow fruit in the greenhouse, collect honey from your beehive and look after cows and chickens for fresh milk and eggs before turning everything you have gathered into pastries and sweets.That makes baking feel like the end of a lovely little process rather than an isolated minigame. The strawberry in your cake can be one you actually grew. The milk came from an animal you have been looking after. Eventually, you are choosing your daily menu, filling the display with sweets and trying to keep everything moving when hungry customers arrive for lunch.There is enough to keep your hands busy, but the reward is watching a forgotten little bakery gradually become the warm, busy place it was supposed to be. And yes, the ghost can eventually help around the shop, which seems only fair. If we are restoring a haunted bakery, the haunting can at least contribute to the workload. Lemon Cake up to 69% off Get Lemon Cake → Bakery Simulator takes the baking part very seriously Bakery Simulator is for anyone who watches someone knead dough and thinks, I want to do that, rather than simply wanting to click a button marked “make bread.”Here, being a baker means actually learning the process. You work from recipes inspired by real ones, measure ingredients, use bakery equipment and make different breads, buns, croissants, bagels, muffins and other baked goods. Once they are ready, there are orders to fulfil and deliveries to make to shops around the city.It makes for a different kind of comfort. Instead of decorating an impossibly cute fantasy café, you can settle into the rhythm of doing a job properly. You check what needs to be made, prepare your ingredients, use the right equipment and try not to discover several steps too late that you have made a terrible bread-related mistake.There is something wonderfully autumnal about spending an evening with flour, bread and warm ovens, even when all of them are made of pixels. It also has one enormous advantage over baking at home: when you are finished, there is no mysterious layer of flour covering every surface in your kitchen. Bakery Simulator up to 98% off Get Bakery Simulator → Cat Cafe Manager understands that coffee is better with a cat nearby Running a café already sounds nice. Running one filled with cats feels slightly unfair to every other business model.In Cat Cafe Manager, you return to the sleepy village of Caterwaul Way and take over the small café left to you by your grandmother. The place needs some love, so you renovate it, build up the menu, meet the locals and gradually turn it into a proper café. The important part, obviously, is that Caterwaul Way is also full of stray cats that can become part of your new little home.The cats are not just decoration either. You get to know them, care for them and eventually find homes for them, while the café itself grows alongside your relationships with the people living in town. There are staff to manage, furniture to choose, recipes to work with and plenty of reasons to keep improving the place.It captures a particularly nice part of café culture: eventually, a good café stops feeling like somewhere people simply go to buy something. It becomes a familiar little place where you know the faces, people have their usual orders and there is probably one cat who has decided that a particular chair belongs exclusively to him. We accept his terms. Cat Cafe Manager up to 91% off Get Cat Cafe Manager → Coffee Talk is for anyone who secretly wants to own a café that only opens at night There is another kind of café fantasy, and Coffee Talk understands it perfectly.You are a barista in an alternative Seattle, working behind the counter of a coffee shop that opens at night. Your customers include humans as well as elves, orcs, succubi and other fantasy folk, but their problems are often surprisingly familiar. They come in, sit down, order something warm and tell you what is happening in their lives. Your job is partly to make their drinks, but mostly to listen.That makes Coffee Talk much less interested in the rush of running a successful business than it is in the atmosphere around the counter. You experiment with the ingredients you have, prepare warm drinks and slowly become part of your customers' lives simply because you are there when they need somewhere to sit.It is a lovely game for a rainy evening because it understands one of the nicest things about cafés: sometimes the coffee itself is only half the reason we go there. The other half is having somewhere warm to be for a while. Preferably while rain hits the window. Coffee Talk up to 67% off Get Coffee Talk → Little Dragons Café lets you raise a dragon between lunch shifts Most cafés have enough problems without adding dragon parenting to the schedule, but Little Dragons Café has bigger ambitions.The story begins with twins helping their mother run the family café until she suddenly falls into a mysterious sleep. A strange old man arrives with an equally strange solution: if they want to save her, they will need to raise a dragon. This leaves you balancing the perfectly normal responsibilities of running a café with the considerably less normal responsibility of taking care of a growing magical creature.Your days move between managing the café, cooking dishes and exploring the world outside for ingredients and recipes. That exploration gives the cooking side a sense of adventure, because a meal begins long before it reaches the table. Finding new ingredients and discovering recipes feeds back into what you can serve when you return home.And then, of course, there is your dragon.Plenty of cooking games will let you improve your kitchen. Far fewer let you finish your shift and go hang out with the dragon you are raising to save your mother. More cafés should consider this. Little Dragons Café up to 90% off Get Little Dragons Café → Good Pizza, Great Pizza knows that every customer has Opinions about pizza At first, running a pizzeria sounds simple. Someone tells you what they want, you put it on some dough, add cheese and send it into the oven.Then the customers arrive.Good Pizza, Great Pizza builds much of its personality around the wonderfully strange people standing on the other side of your counter. They have preferences, requests and occasionally rather creative ways of explaining what they actually want you to make. You have to understand the order, prepare the pizza correctly and keep the business going long enough to meet an increasingly colorful cast of regulars, rivals and pizza obsessives.The actual pizza-making has a lovely rhythm to it. You spread sauce, add cheese, arrange toppings, bake, slice and serve. As the shop grows, you can upgrade your equipment, unlock more ingredients, decorate your pizzeria and even grow some ingredients yourself.It is the sort of game where repetition becomes part of the comfort. You get better at reading orders, your hands learn the routine and familiar customers start walking through the door. Before long, you are emotionally invested in a fictional pizza shop and have surprisingly strong opinions about topping distribution. As you should. Good Pizza, Great Pizza up to 90% off Get Good Pizza, Great Pizza → Venba remembers that a recipe can carry much more than ingredients Venba is the smallest game on this list in some ways, but it might have the biggest heart.You play as Venba, an Indian mother who moves to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Her recipe book has been damaged during the move, leaving parts of familiar recipes missing. As you cook South Indian dishes throughout the story, you have to work out those missing steps and restore the recipes.But cooking here is not really about becoming better at a minigame. Food becomes a connection between Venba and the home she left behind, between parents and children, and between different generations of the same family. A recipe can hold a memory, a language, a tradition or something a parent desperately hopes their child will carry forward. The dishes you prepare become part of the way the family understands one another as their lives change.That makes Venba a particularly lovely choice for an autumn evening, but perhaps not for exactly the same reason as the other games here. It is warm and full of beautiful food, but it can also be emotional. This is comfort food in the most literal sense: food as something we make for the people we love when words are not quite enough.Maybe keep a snack nearby. And possibly a tissue. Venba up to 97% off Get Venba → Wanderstop would like you to sit down and drink your tea At first glance, Wanderstop has all the ingredients of a classic cozy management game. There is a beautiful tea shop in a magical forest, ingredients to grow and harvest, customers to meet and an unusual contraption for brewing the perfect cup of tea. You can clean the shop, decorate it and learn what the travelers passing through would like to drink.Then you meet Alta.Alta used to be a championship fighter, and she absolutely does not want to be running a tea shop. She wants to train, improve, keep moving and get back to being the person she believes she is supposed to be. Unfortunately for her, Wanderstop is deeply uninterested in turning relaxation into another thing to optimize.The shop asks for patience. There are moments when you can simply sit on a bench with a cup of tea. You can listen to your thoughts. You can do nothing for a while. The game's own description goes as far as asking whether perhaps doing nothing at all is okay.That gives all the tea-making a little more weight. Preparing a drink for somebody becomes part of slowing down enough to notice another person, hear their story and give them something made specifically for them.For a game about serving tea, Wanderstop has quite a lot to say about why some of us find it so difficult to just sit down and drink our own. Wanderstop up to 70% off Get Wanderstop → Sometimes the nicest thing you can make is something for someone elseThat might be what connects all these games better than the word “cooking” ever could.The cake in Lemon Cake eventually lands on somebody's table. Your strange pizza order in Good Pizza, Great Pizza belongs to a customer you might remember when they come back. In Coffee Talk, a warm drink gives somebody an excuse to stay and talk for a little longer. In Venba, an old recipe can say something that a family struggles to put into words. And in Wanderstop, making tea for another person becomes part of learning how to slow down yourself. Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale → Food is good at doing that, both in games and outside them. We cook because we are hungry, obviously, but we also bake for people, invite friends over, remember family recipes and make someone a cup of tea when they have had a terrible day.Maybe that is why cooking games fit autumn so ridiculously well 🍂🧸🥐☕🍪So if your ideal evening currently involves something warm in your mug, something sweet within reaching distance and absolutely no reason to leave the house, consider the kitchen open.
Read moreThere comes a point every autumn when staying home stops feeling like the boring option and starts feeling like the best plan you could possibly make. The evenings get longer, the big blanket permanently moves back onto the sofa and suddenly spending a few hours growing virtual pumpkins feels like a completely reasonable way to end the day.We’re very much at that point.The Kinguin Cozy Sale is here, bringing together games for all the little things we suddenly want to do when autumn arrives. There are farms to take care of, cakes to bake, tiny shops to run, fish to catch, rooms to decorate, mushrooms to forage and enough potions to brew that you may begin to seriously reconsider your career choices.Selected games are now up to 86% off, and you can use COZY8 for an extra 8% off. But instead of throwing a giant list of discounted games at you and calling it a day, we thought we’d help you find something that actually fits the kind of evening you want to have.Because cozy means something slightly different to everyone.Sometimes you just want another little life to take care of up to 65% off Get Stardew Valley → Few games understand the pleasure of having tiny, completely manageable responsibilities quite as well as Stardew Valley.Your new life begins with an overgrown farm and enough work to keep you busy for a while, but Stardew quickly becomes much more than a game about putting seeds in the ground. Days develop their own rhythm. You wake up, check the weather, water whatever you planted a few days ago and decide what you feel like doing with the rest of your time. Maybe you’ll go fishing. Maybe you’ll head into town because somebody has a birthday. Maybe you’ll finally explore the mines, or maybe you’ll spend the afternoon moving furniture around your farmhouse because you have decided that today this is the most important thing in the world.That freedom is a huge part of why Stardew has remained such a comfort game for so many people. Its world always gives you something to do, but it rarely insists that you do it right now. You gradually learn the seasons, remember which villagers like which gifts, get strangely invested in your animals and develop routines that feel personal to your farm. Before long, returning to Pelican Town can feel less like starting another gaming session and more like checking in on a place you know.It is also extremely easy to sit down intending to play for twenty minutes and emerge several in-game seasons later. Consider yourself warned.Or perhaps it’s finally time to open that tiny bookshop up to 10% off Get Tiny Bookshop → Tiny Bookshop is built around an almost dangerously appealing fantasy: packing a second-hand bookshop into a trailer and taking it to quiet little corners of a seaside town.You spend your days choosing which books to stock, setting up shop in different locations and recommending something good to the people who stop by. As you get to know the town, you also get better at understanding what your customers might actually enjoy, so selling them a book becomes a small interaction rather than another transaction to clear from a queue.There is room to make the shop itself feel like yours, too. You can decorate it with the little objects you collect and gradually turn a simple trailer full of books into the sort of place where you would happily lose an entire rainy afternoon.It is a wonderfully small premise, and that is precisely why it works. You are not trying to build a retail empire or become the greatest bookseller the world has ever known. You are selling books by the sea, meeting people and slowly settling into the life of the town. Sometimes that is more than enough for a good evening.If autumn makes you want to bake something, we have that covered too up to 69% off Get Lemon Cake → There is something particularly unfair about games that fill the screen with cakes when you do not have cake in the house, and Lemon Cake is very good at creating exactly that problem.The game hands you an abandoned bakery and lets you slowly bring it back to life. You clean up the place, repair your kitchen, grow ingredients in the greenhouse and use them to bake the pastries that eventually fill your display cases. Once customers start arriving, the quiet little restoration project becomes a gentle balancing act between preparing food, keeping everyone happy and improving the bakery for another day.What makes the whole thing especially satisfying is seeing the place change around you. At the beginning, it feels forgotten. After spending enough mornings growing ingredients and enough afternoons running between ovens, it starts looking like somewhere people would actually want to spend their time.There is also a friendly ghost involved, because apparently even the afterlife understands that a good bakery is worth hanging around for.If your autumn plans already involve cinnamon, apples and turning the oven on whenever the temperature drops below 15 degrees, this is probably a very natural place to start.You can also build somewhere you’d quite like to live up to 76% off Get Minami Lane → Not everyone finds relaxation in looking after a gigantic city full of citizens who suddenly need a new sewage system. Sometimes one street is plenty.That is the lovely scale of Minami Lane, where you build a small Japanese-inspired neighborhood and gradually fill it with homes, shops, restaurants, greenery and decorations. The management side is still there, so you need to think about what your residents want and how your businesses are doing, but everything happens within a space small enough that you can actually become attached to it.A new shop changes the street. Adding some greenery makes a familiar corner prettier. Residents wander around the neighborhood you have created, and what began as a few empty spaces gradually turns into a place with its own little routines.There is satisfaction in watching something grow without feeling as though you have accidentally accepted a second job. Minami Lane understands that distinction rather well.And yes, autumn means we are legally required to enter our witch eraWe don’t make the rules. up to 82% off Get Alchemy Garden → Alchemy Garden gives you a plot of land, a potion shop and a very good excuse to spend the evening collecting plants. You can grow your own ingredients, explore the surrounding world for materials, experiment with alchemy and sell the potions you make in your shop.The loop is simple enough to settle into. What you gather feeds into what you can create, what you create helps your shop, and your progress gradually opens up more possibilities for both your garden and your alchemy. There is always another ingredient worth looking for or another part of your little setup worth improving.It also happens to fulfil an extremely specific autumn fantasy. You can wander around collecting plants, return home with your ingredients and spend the evening making mysterious things in bottles without ever having to ask yourself whether the mushroom you just picked is edible.Video games really have solved foraging.And Alchemy Garden is only one stop in the witchier corner of the sale. If October has already activated something in you, there is also Alchemy Factory, Alchemy Garden, Witchspire, Alchemist: The Potion Monger and Potions: A Curious Tale waiting to enable it.Cozy doesn’t have to mean staying in one place up to 93% off Get Alba: A Wildlife Adventure → Sometimes the nicest thing a game can give you is somewhere new to wander around for a few hours.Alba: A Wildlife Adventure sends you to a Mediterranean island where Alba is spending the summer with her grandparents. Much of your time is spent exploring the island, spotting animals and photographing the wildlife you find along the way. There is a larger conservation story running through the adventure, but some of its nicest moments come from simply paying attention to what is around you.A bird call can be enough to pull you away from wherever you were heading. You stop, look around, try to work out where it came from and eventually add another photo to your collection. The island rewards curiosity, so getting distracted rarely feels like wasting time.It is a small adventure, but one that understands how nice it can be when a game gives you permission to look around instead of constantly pushing you towards the next objective.Especially when the real view outside your window currently consists of rain.Your next autumn hobby might be hiding somewhere in here Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale → That is probably our favorite thing about putting this sale together. Cozy games are often built around the kinds of small hobbies and routines that are satisfying precisely because there is no huge victory waiting at the end of them.You can spend an evening learning how to run a bakery, disappear to a lake and fish until sunset, wander through the woods looking for mushrooms or sit down with a game about sewing and making things by hand. You might discover a new favorite genre, or you might simply find one lovely game that makes the next few dark evenings a little nicer.For now, the whole Kinguin Cozy Sale is waiting, with selected games up to 86% off and an additional 8% off with code COZY8.So find something that looks like your kind of evening, make yourself comfortable and stay for a while 🍂🧸🥐☕🍪
Read moreAround 19 guns have been picked out of GTA 6's trailers and marketing footage, and eight of them carry names Rockstar invented: a Morgan revolver, a Capo pistol, a Duke carbine and five more. The rest are recognizable only by shape, matched against the real designs they copy. Rockstar has published no weapons list of its own, so every entry below is a community reading of footage rather than an official one.Handguns and revolversHandguns are the best documented category. Four arrive with names and no owner attached: the Morgan revolver, built on a S&W 629; the Mustang .357, which takes its cues from a Colt Python; the Capo, an M1911 in everything but the badge; and the Nipper .38, so far a name and a caliber and nothing more.That is a revolver, a magnum and a .45 service pistol before you reach anything modern. For a game whose flagship region is a Miami analog, the handgun lineup leans period-conscious rather than contemporary.SMGs and machine pistolsNone of the submachine guns has surfaced with a name. The profiles match an MP5, a MAC-10, an Uzi, and the compact MP7, MP9 and TEC-9 family of machine pistols.The Uzi and TEC-9 references lean hard into Vice City's established aesthetic, evoking the era those weapons defined in pop culture. Put an Uzi in the hands of a Leonida hustler and you are quoting a decade, not filling a weapon slot.Rifles and carbinesTwo long guns carry names, and they share one: the Duke carbine, which follows an M4 profile, and the Duke sniper rifle. Past those, the footage has produced an AK-pattern rifle, a Remington 700-style bolt-action and an M1A-style marksman rifle.A bolt-action and a marksman rifle alongside an AK is a reach problem more than a firepower one. This arsenal is being built for distance, which suits a state that runs from a national park in the north to an island chain in the south.ShotgunsThree shotguns have turned up, none of them named: a double-barrel, a Remington 870 and a Benelli M4. That is a break-action, a pump and a semi-automatic, so the category covers the full spread of shotgun mechanics rather than three variations on one.The double-barrel is the interesting one. It reads rural rather than tactical, and it belongs to the swamps and back roads far more than it belongs to Ocean Beach.Heavy weaponsTwo entries sit at the top of the arsenal, both recognized by shape alone: an M249-style light machine gun and a grenade launcher. Neither is a surprise in a Grand Theft Auto game. What they mark is the ceiling, the tier the series keeps in reserve for the point where a job has already gone wrong.Jason and Lucia's sidearmsTwo of the named pistols belong to specific people. The Klose K17 is Lucia Caminos's, and the Girardi ES9 is Jason Duval's.Giving each lead their own pistol is characterization done through the loadout. It is a small thing next to a trailer, but it suggests Rockstar wants the two halves of this game to feel different in your hands and not only in cutscenes.GTA 6 arrives on 19 November 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, at $79.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. Grab your key on Kinguin and be set for launch day.FAQDoes the Ultimate Edition include extra weapons?Yes. Rockstar says the Ultimate Edition adds exclusive vehicles, weapons and premium clothing woven through the narrative, but it has not published the item list and has not said whether any of it affects progression. There is also no announced upgrade path from Standard to Ultimate.Have the GTA 6 weapon leaks been accurate?The September 2022 breach was real: roughly 90 development videos were posted to GTAForums, and Rockstar confirmed the incident publicly. The weapon lists that have circulated since have a much weaker record, and none of them is what the entries above rest on.
Read moreThe GTA 6 versus GTA 5 question is not really a comparison of two games, it is a choice between a console launch on 19 November 2026 and a game that has been playable since 2013. What muddies it is that the newer game's most quoted numbers are not Rockstar's numbers at all.San Andreas against LeonidaGTA 5 built its world around Los Santos and Blaine County, one dense city with a rural hinterland behind it. GTA 6 moves to the state of Leonida and six confirmed regions: Vice City, Mount Kalaga National Park, Grassrivers, Leonida Keys, Ambrosia and Port Gellhorn.A state-scale map changes pacing more than raw acreage does. Travel between a national park, coastal keys and separate towns implies longer journeys, more varied terrain and settings that each carry their own tone.Rockstar has published no map size, so the figures in circulation, between 125 and 324 square kilometers, are community measurements taken from trailer geometry. Several sites print them as confirmed. The range is its own warning: an estimate that spans a factor of two and a half is not a measurement of anything.Three men against a criminal coupleGTA 5 gave you Michael, Franklin and Trevor and let you switch between three separate lives mid-mission. GTA 6 pares that back to two, Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, framed by Rockstar as a Bonnie and Clyde pair rather than three men whose paths happen to cross.Lucia is the first playable female lead in the series. Rockstar has given her a history: born in Liberty City, imprisoned after trying to keep her family afloat, taught to fight by her father. Jason served in the military, worked for smugglers out of the Keys, and lives rent free in a place belonging to Brian Heder.What Rockstar has not described is how or when you switch between them. A pair presented as partners suggests the two share scenes in a way GTA 5's trio rarely did, but that is an inference from the framing, not a mechanic anyone has explained.Platforms, and the PC questionGTA 6 is confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S only. There is no PS4 or Xbox One version, and the PS5 Pro is a variant of the PS5 rather than a separately announced platform. No PC release date exists and no PC version has been confirmed, while GTA 5 runs on effectively everything, PC included.Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick said in May 2026 that PC could account for 45 to 50 percent of sales on a launch this size, and that Rockstar starts on consoles because "you're judged by serving the core". When roughly half your potential revenue lives on one platform, you do not abandon it. You schedule it.History gives that schedule a rough shape without promising one. GTA 4 reached PC about seven months after consoles, Red Dead Redemption 2 about twelve, and GTA 5 about nineteen against an original plan of roughly fourteen. That is a spread of a year, which is why waiting for PC is a plan without a date.Should you still buy GTA 5 in 2026?GTA 5 is still the right purchase for a lot of people. PC players have no GTA 6 date to wait for. Anyone who wants to play tonight rather than in November is choosing between the two games that exist and the one that doesn't. First-timers get a finished game with years of content already in it, and the Online communities are active.The price gap is also smaller than the headline suggests. GTA 5's $59.99 in 2013 is roughly $82 in today's money, which makes GTA 6's $79.99 Standard Edition close to flat in real terms. What has actually moved is GTA 5's own price, now a fraction of either figure.So the decision is not either-or. If you want the newest world and can wait for the console launch, GTA 6 is the pre-order. If you want a living game this week, GTA 5 is the purchase, and there is no rule against both.Pre-order GTA 6 for PS5 or Xbox Series X|S on Kinguin ahead of the 19 November 2026 launch, or pick up GTA 5 and in-game items there if you want something to play now.FAQWill GTA 6 Online be available at launch?Rockstar describes the launch as a single-player experience and has not confirmed whether GTA 6 Online will be there on day one. GTA 5's Online is running today, which is the one thing the older game can promise here and the newer one currently cannot.Does the physical GTA 6 edition come with a disc?No. Boxed copies contain a download code rather than a disc, so a physical purchase still needs the same download as a digital one. Both the Standard and Ultimate editions are sold digitally and physically.When did pre-orders open, and when can I preload?Pre-orders opened on 25 June 2026 at midnight local time. Digital preload begins on 12 November 2026, the same day boxed copies reach stores.
Read moreDeciding which GTA 6 cars you will actually be driving looks simple until you realize almost none of them are officially named. Rockstar has published no master vehicle list, so every car below reached this page because someone froze a trailer frame and matched the bodywork to a real model. That is careful work, and it is not the same thing as a confirmation.What "confirmed" means hereRockstar has not published a vehicle list for GTA 6, and it has not published a vehicle count either. Everything named here was identified by players working from Trailer 1 (4 December 2023) and Trailer 2 (6 May 2025), so read the real-world matches as informed reads rather than official statements.That limit bites hardest once you leave four wheels behind. Rockstar has not named a single boat, seaplane or helicopter, even though the Leonida Keys are an archipelago with boats and sharks in the water, so any specific watercraft or aircraft model you see quoted is a read on scenery.Muscle and classicsThis is where Vice City's period flavor lives. The Sirius reads as a classic Dodge Charger, the Vapid Riata leans on lean American muscle, and the Oceanic channels an Oldsmobile Super 88. The Declasse Tulip M-100 maps to a Chevy Malibu, that boxy, sun-faded silhouette that suits a Leonida strip mall.The '55 Vapid Stanier stands out as a 1955 Ford Crown Victoria, a genuinely vintage shape rather than a muscle-era one, and the Albany Buccaneer Custom rounds out the lowrider-adjacent side of the roster. Three more names sit in the identified list with no real-world match attached to them yet: the Bravado Gauntlet Hellfire, the Schyster Deviant and the Schyster PMP.What ties this group together is atmosphere. Vice City is the Miami analogue, down to Ocean Beach, Little Cuba and an Ocean View Hotel callback, and the old metal is the half of the roster built to match it.Supercars and sports carsGrotti carries the exotic end of the list heavily. The '95 Grotti Cheetah and the Grotti Cheetah Classic both surface as period supercars, while the Grotti Carbonizzare and Grotti Furia bring the modern wedge shapes you would expect from the series' stand-in for Italian exotica. The Bravado Banshee covers the American sports-car angle and the Invetero Coquette keeps the Corvette-flavored lineage going.On the grand-touring side, the Pfister Comet S2 Cabrio gives you an open-top German-style coupe and the Benefactor Schafter V12 covers the executive-sedan-with-teeth bracket. Their proportions read cleanly even in a compressed frame, which is part of why this end of the roster firmed up faster than the rest of it.Trucks, SUVs and off-roadersLeonida is not all coastal tarmac. Mount Kalaga National Park and the wetlands of Grassrivers demand vehicles that can leave the road, and the roster reflects that. The Vapid Caracara 4x4 reads as a Ford F-150, the kind of full-size pickup you would actually want on a fire trail, and the Canis Kamacho brings a boxier, more utilitarian off-road build.The '67 Vapid Dominator Buggy is the standout for rough ground, a stripped, high-clearance machine built for dirt rather than showroom shine. The Vapid Ganado maps to a 1970 Ford Ranchero, and that half-car, half-truck shape splits the difference between hauling and cruising in the rural corners of the state.Mount Kalaga is described as hunting, fishing and off-road country, which is the clearest explanation of why a pickup and a stripped buggy share a list with a Cheetah. The wetlands push the same way: they are a region where wheeled vehicles are plainly not the whole answer.MotorcyclesFive bikes have been identified so far: the Dinka Enduro, the Alvino V1, the Carbon RS, the Sanchez and the Manchez. The Alvino V1 reads as a Ducati Panigale V2 or an Aprilia RS 660, which puts a genuinely modern sportbike on a list that otherwise skews rough.The rest of the names lean off-road, and the Sanchez has been a dirt bike in this series for years. In a state that includes a national park with trails and a swamp you cannot take a supercar into, two wheels look less like a side option than they usually do.Returning manufacturersThe manufacturer names answer the biggest reader question by themselves. Vapid, Grotti, Bravado, Declasse, Albany, Benefactor, Canis, Pfister, Invetero, Schyster and Dinka are all long-running series brands, so the evidence so far points to GTA 6 carrying the same fictional automotive universe forward rather than resetting it.A returning manufacturer is not the same as a returning model. The Grotti Cheetah name has appeared before, but the '95 and Classic variants here look like fresh builds within a familiar badge, and Rockstar has not said anything about direct carry-overs. The safe read is that the ecosystem returns while the individual cars are new interpretations.So the roster stands where it stands: twenty-odd cars, five bikes, and no official total from Rockstar to check them against. Both the names and the number get settled on 19 November 2026, and not before.GTA 6 launches 19 November 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, at $79.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. If you want something to drive right now, GTA 5 and its in-game items are on Kinguin.FAQDo the Ultimate Edition's exclusive vehicles appear on this list?No. The Ultimate Edition adds exclusive vehicles, weapons and premium clothing woven through the narrative, but Rockstar has not published the item list or said whether any of it affects progression. None of those vehicles have been named, so none of them are above.What can I drive GTA 6 on at launch?PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only. The PS5 Pro is a PS5 variant rather than a separately announced platform, there is no PS4 or Xbox One version, and Rockstar has announced neither a PC release date nor a PC version at all.Will there be a GTA Online garage at launch?Unclear. Rockstar is describing the launch as a single-player experience and has not confirmed that GTA 6 Online will be available on day one, so there is no word yet on how vehicles are earned or stored outside the story.
Read moreThe easy read on the GTA 6 map is neon and money. What Rockstar has actually named is a whole state: a Miami-style coastline, an Everglades-style wetland full of alligators, a shark-filled archipelago in the south and a decayed "forgotten coast" of dead motels, with Vice City as one region out of six. The one number everyone wants, the size of it, is still not a number Rockstar has published.Leonida is a state, not a cityGrand Theft Auto VI is set across Leonida, a fictional Florida, and Vice City is one part of it. The six named regions are Vice City, Mount Kalaga National Park on the northern edge, the Everglades-style wetlands of Grassrivers, the southern archipelago of the Leonida Keys, the industrial sugar town of Ambrosia, and Port Gellhorn, the forgotten coast.Vice City is the glamour and the money, Mount Kalaga the wilderness, Grassrivers the danger, the Keys the open water, Ambrosia the industry and its gangs, and Port Gellhorn the quiet collapse. Together they cover a spread of tones that no single GTA setting has managed before.Lucia Caminos, the first playable female lead in series history, and Jason Duval carry the story across those regions rather than sitting in one of them. Jason served in the military and worked for smugglers out of the Keys, and he lives rent-free in an apartment belonging to Brian Heder, one of those smugglers. The geography is already load-bearing.Vice CityVice City is the Miami stand-in and the center of gravity. Rockstar has named Ocean Beach, Little Cuba, the Tisha-Wocka flea market, Vice City Port and Vice City International Airport, plus an Ocean View Hotel callback that longtime players will recognize on sight.The confirmed supporting cast doubles as a guide to who owns what. Boobie Ike runs real estate, a recording studio and strip clubs; Dre'Quan Priest runs Only Raw Records, with the rap duo Real Dimez signed to it. No other region has a cast dense enough to read as a business district map.The Ocean View Hotel nod is the clearest line of continuity to the older Vice City, and Rockstar has not detailed how the two versions relate beyond the callback itself.The water: the Keys and GrassriversThe Leonida Keys are the southern archipelago, and Rockstar has shown both boats and sharks in those waters. That pairing sets the tone for the region: the sea is terrain here rather than a backdrop, and it is terrain with something in it.Grassrivers is the Everglades-style wetland, all shallow water, tall grass and alligators. Where the Keys open out to a horizon, Grassrivers closes in, and the wildlife supplies the pressure instead of the decoration. Between the two of them, a substantial share of Leonida is places a car cannot reach.The interior: Mount Kalaga and AmbrosiaMount Kalaga National Park runs along the northern border and is the wilderness end of the state, built around hunting, fishing and off-road driving. It is the one region Rockstar has described through activities rather than landmarks, which tells you what it is for.Ambrosia is the industrial sugar town, home to the Allied Crystal refinery and a presence from the Final Chapter biker gang. A refinery and a gang sharing one small town is the most concrete piece of economy-plus-crime Rockstar has put anywhere on the map outside Vice City.Port Gellhorn, the forgotten coastPort Gellhorn is billed as the forgotten coast: cheap motels, closed attractions and empty strip malls, the kind of town a highway used to run through and no longer does. It is Florida's collapse rather than its glamour.Set against Vice City's shine and Ambrosia's industry, Port Gellhorn is what gives the state its melancholy. A quiet place in a loud game is an odd thing to build, and it is the strongest signal that Leonida is meant to be a range of moods rather than one.How big is the GTA 6 map?Rockstar has published no map size figure. The estimates in circulation, roughly 125 to 324 square kilometers, are community measurements taken from trailer geometry, and the gap between the low and high numbers is the tell: scaling landmarks in curated footage means small errors compound into wildly different totals.A state-scale map changes pacing more than raw acreage does, in any case. Travel between a national park, coastal keys and separate towns implies longer journeys and settings that each carry their own tone, which answers the size question better than any figure can. The figure itself gets settled when the game ships on 19 November 2026.GTA 6 launches that day on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, at $79.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. Rockstar's own pre-order window is what carries the Vintage Vice City Pack, which goes to orders placed before 20 November 2026, with the free month of GTA+ limited to digital pre-orders. Console keys are available on Kinguin.FAQWho do you play as across the map?Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, in a relationship Rockstar has framed as Bonnie and Clyde. Lucia was born in Liberty City and imprisoned after trying to hold her family together. Rockstar has not described how or when you switch between the two of them.Has Rockstar announced the GTA 6 voice cast?No. Every name attached to Lucia or Jason so far comes from CVs, agency listings and actors' own comments rather than Rockstar. Several sites present those names as confirmed casting, and they are not.Will GTA 6 Online launch alongside the single-player map?That has not been announced. Rockstar is describing the November release as a single-player experience, and it has not said whether GTA 6 Online will be available at launch, which also leaves the free GTA+ month for digital pre-orders landing in a month that may have little online content to spend it on.
Read moreDeciding how much to trust a GTA 6 leak looks simple, you either believe the footage or you don't, except the record splits sharply once you sort it by date. One item in that record was a criminal breach with a defendant and a court file. Most of the rest was people guessing loudly, and both get filed under the same word.September 2022 and the footage that came out of a breachOn 18 September 2022, roughly 90 videos of GTA 6 in active development appeared on GTAForums, posted by an account calling itself teapotuberhacker. Rockstar confirmed the intrusion. Four years later, that remains the part of the episode that is genuinely established.What the 2022 leak changed was the conversation around studio security and the ethics of circulating stolen work in progress. An internal breach became a public spectacle, and it started a criminal case that is still unresolved.Who was behind it, and what happened nextThe leak was attributed to Arion Kurtaj, reportedly connected to the Lapsus$ group and to a breach at Uber in the same period. In December 2023 he was found unfit to stand trial and given an indefinite hospital order rather than a conventional sentence, after continuing to attempt hacking while in custody.Here is the part recent headlines keep getting wrong. In 2026 Kurtaj was moved out of the secure hospital and into an ordinary prison, with a retrial due in November 2026. He was not released. If you have read otherwise, the source misread a transfer as a discharge.What the release date did after the breachThe comfortable version of this story is that the breach cost the game nothing. The public schedule is messier than that. Rockstar first named a Fall 2025 window in May 2024, moved it in May 2025 to 26 May 2026, then moved it again in November 2025 to 19 November 2026.Two public delays sit between the leak and the launch, which is worth knowing on its own. It is not evidence of cause. A studio can slip a date for reasons that have nothing to do with a stolen build, and nobody outside Rockstar is positioned to connect the two.December 2023 and the trailer that leaked a day earlyNot every GTA 6 leak was a criminal intrusion. In early December 2023 the first official trailer began circulating about a day before its planned reveal, and Rockstar published Trailer 1 officially on 4 December 2023 rather than fight the spread. Trailer 2 followed on 6 May 2025.This episode is instructive because the consequence is visible. You can point to a concrete change in Rockstar's own publishing schedule and trace it to the leak, with no ambiguity and no waiting years to check a claim against a finished game. Almost nothing else in this history is that clean.Leak accuracy, rankedScored against what Rockstar has since confirmed, the record is a short ladder rather than a spectrum. The December 2023 trailer leak sits at the top, verified by its own outcome: the publish date moved. The 2022 dump comes next, genuine material from a breach Rockstar confirmed, though it is the provenance that is established and not any particular account of the contents.Below that, accuracy falls off hard. The weapons lists that circulated later and the recurring rumor that GTA 6 review copies would not be distributed have a much weaker record, and Rockstar has confirmed neither.At the bottom sit claims that were never leaks at all. The map size figures between 125 and 324 square kilometers are community measurements taken from trailer geometry, and the voice cast names in circulation come from resumes and agency listings. Several outlets print both as confirmed. Rockstar has published neither a map size nor a cast.Checking a leak is mostly checking its source. Look at whose account is making the claim and what it got wrong last time, reverse image search any still, and expect self-described insiders to multiply before a launch. Verified footage came from a criminal breach; polished mock-ups shared for engagement usually did not, and that gap between substance and spectacle sits at the heart of why leaks are a problem rather than a scoop.Why leaks are a problem, not a scoopThe 2022 case shows the cost plainly. Private work was taken and posted for anyone to watch, the people who made it had unfinished material judged in public long before they chose to show it, and the criminal case it started is still open.None of that needs a moral lecture attached to it. It does mean a leak of this kind is a story about a theft first and a game second, which is a different thing from a scoop.If you would rather wait for the finished game than watch stolen fragments of it, GTA 6 launches on 19 November 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and keys for both consoles are listed on Kinguin.FAQWhich platforms is GTA 6 launching on?Rockstar and Take-Two name PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S only. There is no PS4 or Xbox One version, and the PS5 Pro is a variant of the PS5 rather than a separately announced platform. No PC release date has been announced and no PC version has been confirmed.What do GTA 6 pre-orders include?The Vintage Vice City Pack goes to all orders placed before 20 November 2026, with physical copies covered while stocks last. The free month of GTA+ is limited to digital pre-orders, so the two bonuses do not travel together.Will GTA 6 Online be available at launch?Rockstar has described the launch as a single-player experience and has not confirmed whether GTA 6 Online will be available on day one. That is worth holding next to the free GTA+ month, since a subscription handed to you in November may or may not land during a period when there is much to spend it on.
Read moreMarking 19 November 2026 on your calendar is the easy part. The harder part is separating what Rockstar has said from the estimates stacked around it. GTA 6 is confirmed for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, so for many players a console upgrade is part of the cost of entry. And the number repeated most about the game, its map size, has never come from Rockstar.Release date and the road to itGTA 6 will launch on 19 November 2026. That date is the endpoint of a road that shifted twice, with Rockstar naming each new target rather than letting the old one quietly lapse.The first window came in May 2024, when Rockstar named a Fall 2025 release. In May 2025 that slipped to 26 May 2026. Then in November 2025 the date moved once more, landing on 19 November 2026. Those earlier windows are history rather than promises.PlatformsGTA 6 is set for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and those are the only platforms Rockstar has named. There is no PS4 version and no Xbox One version. The PS5 Pro sits inside the PS5 family rather than arriving as a separate release, so it is a variant of a platform already named, not a third option.A PC version is the obvious absence, and Rockstar has confirmed neither a release nor a date. Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick said in May 2026 that PC can be 45 to 50 percent of a big launch's sales, but that Rockstar starts on consoles because "you're judged by serving the core." When half your revenue lives on one platform, you do not abandon it. You schedule it.Editions, prices and pre-ordersThere are two editions, the Standard Edition at $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $99.99. Ultimate adds exclusive vehicles, weapons and premium apparel woven through the narrative, though Rockstar has not itemized the contents, and no upgrade path from Standard to Ultimate has been announced. Both editions come in digital and physical form, and the physical box holds a download code rather than a disc.Pre-orders opened on 25 June 2026 at midnight local time. Digital pre-load starts on 12 November 2026, the same day boxes reach stores. The Vintage Vice City Pack goes to every order placed before 20 November 2026, with physical stock limited to availability, while one free month of GTA+ is reserved for digital pre-orders only.Rockstar describes the launch as a single-player experience, and it has not confirmed that GTA 6 Online will be available on day one. That matters for the GTA+ month, since a membership tied to the online offering is worth less in a month when there may be nothing online to spend it on.The state of LeonidaGTA 6 takes place in the state of Leonida, and Rockstar has named six regions. Vice City is the returning urban center, a Miami analog taking in Ocean Beach, Little Cuba, the Tisha-Wocka market, Vice City Port and the airport. Mount Kalaga National Park covers the north with hunting, fishing and off-road terrain, and Grassrivers is Everglades-style swampland with alligators.The rest fills out the state. Leonida Keys is an island chain in the south with sharks and boats, Ambrosia an industrial sugar town around the Allied Crystal refinery and the Final Chapter biker gang, and Port Gellhorn a "forgotten coast" of cheap motels, shuttered attractions and empty malls.A state-scale map changes pacing more than raw acreage does. Travel between a national park, coastal keys and separate towns implies longer journeys, more varied terrain and settings that each carry their own tone. Rockstar has not said how the regions connect or how they compare in scale.It has also published no map size. The figures in circulation, spanning roughly 125 to 324 square kilometers, come from community measurement of trailer geometry, fans scaling landmarks out of compressed video. That method cannot account for lens, elevation or the parts of the state no trailer has shown, which is why any site printing one of those numbers as confirmed is overstating it.The protagonists and the confirmed castThere are two protagonists, and Rockstar frames them as a Bonnie and Clyde pair, though it has not said how or when you switch between them. Lucia Caminos is the first playable female lead in the series' history, born in Liberty City, jailed after trying to hold her family together, and taught to fight by her father.Jason Duval served in the army, worked for smugglers out of the Keys, and lives rent-free in an apartment owned by Brian Heder, himself a Keys smuggler. Jason's friend Cal Hampton is a homebody with a taste for conspiracy theories. Stefanie is Lucia's caseworker at the Leonida Department of Corrections, and Raul Bautista is a bank robber whose jobs keep getting more reckless.Vice City's business side runs through Boobie Ike, an entrepreneur with real estate, a recording studio and strip clubs, and Dre'Quan Priest, who runs Only Raw Records and is a hustler rather than a gangster. Real Dimez, the rap duo of Roxy and Bae-Luxe, are signed to Only Raw and carry a heavy social media presence.Other names on circulating cast lists are not confirmed. Rockstar has published no voice cast at all, so every actor credit attached to these roles is unofficial, however often it is reported as settled.The trailers and the 2022 leakOfficial footage runs to two trailers. The first arrived on 4 December 2023, a day ahead of schedule after it leaked, and the second followed on 6 May 2025. "Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look" premiered on 27 August 2026 at 3pm ET, exclusively on Netflix, reaching Rockstar's own channels roughly six hours later. A Netflix-first release is a genuine first for the series.The trailer being pulled forward was a small echo of a much larger breach. On 18 September 2022 around 90 development videos were posted to GTAForums by an account calling itself teapotuberhacker, and Rockstar confirmed the incident publicly. The material was attributed to Arion Kurtaj, linked to the Lapsus$ group and to the Uber intrusion.In December 2023 Kurtaj was detained indefinitely in a secure hospital, after being found unfit to stand trial and making further intrusion attempts while in custody. In 2026 he was discharged from the psychiatric hospital but transferred to an ordinary prison rather than released, with a retrial set for November 2026.If you are buying at launch, keys and account options for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S are listed on Kinguin, and it is worth checking what your platform's version costs on the day you commit. Note the region and activation so the key matches your console: browse GTA 6 on Kinguin.FAQIf a PC version happens, how long might the wait be?Rockstar's past console-to-PC gaps are the only guide, and they vary widely. GTA 4 took about seven months, Red Dead Redemption 2 about twelve, and GTA 5 about nineteen, against an original plan of roughly fourteen. No GTA 6 PC version has been announced, so treat that spread as history, not a schedule.Are the newer GTA 6 leaks as reliable as the 2022 one?No. The 2022 breach was confirmed by Rockstar and prosecuted in court, which is why it is a documented event. The later material passed around since then, such as weapon lists and the rumor about review copies, has a much weaker track record and none of that verification behind it.
Read moreThe GTA 6 standard vs ultimate edition choice looks like a coin flip, since the two versions are separated by exactly $20 and share the same game, release date and platforms. Inside that gap sits a bundle of premium vehicles, weapons and apparel, and nothing else. The pre-order bonuses are a separate matter, and one of the two is narrower than most buyers assume.GTA 6 editions and pricesRockstar is selling GTA 6 in two flavors. The Standard Edition costs $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition costs $99.99, both sold digitally and in a box, and both launching on 19 November 2026. Pre-orders opened on 25 June 2026.Neither version changes where you can play. This is PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, with the PS5 Pro a variant of the PS5 rather than a separate purchase. So the whole question of Standard vs Ultimate comes down to what those extra dollars buy.What's in the GTA 6 Standard EditionThe Standard Edition is the full game, and for most players it is all you need. You get the whole single-player campaign, set across the state of Leonida and following Lucia Caminos, the first playable female lead in the series, and Jason Duval. All six regions, from Vice City to Mount Kalaga National Park, are in this tier; no part of the world is held back.One detail catches physical buyers off guard, and it applies to both editions: the box holds a download code, not a disc. You install the whole game over the internet either way, which also means a used box is just packaging once the code has been redeemed. Digital pre-orders can pre-load from 12 November 2026, the same day boxes reach stores, so neither format gets a head start.What's in the GTA 6 Ultimate EditionThe Ultimate Edition adds exclusive premium vehicles, weapons and apparel, which Rockstar describes as woven through the narrative rather than bolted on as a menu of extras. Rockstar has not itemized the bundle, or said whether any of it affects progression. Without that list, the only honest way to price Ultimate is as a $20 bet on gear you cannot see yet.It is also worth being clear about what Ultimate is not. Rockstar frames the launch as a single-player experience and has not said whether GTA 6 Online will be live on day one. The extra gear is not being sold to you as an online-mode head start.The pre-order bonus, Vintage Vice City Pack and GTA+There are two bonuses here, and merging them is where people go wrong. The Vintage Vice City Pack goes to every order placed before 20 November 2026, across both editions and both formats, with physical copies covered while stocks last. Since the game itself arrives on 19 November, the pre-order bonus outlives launch day, so there is no deadline racing you to midnight.The second bonus is narrower. One free month of GTA+ applies to digital pre-orders only, whichever edition you pick, and physical buyers do not get it. Since Rockstar hasn't said whether Online will be available at launch, a free month handed to you in November may or may not land during a period when there is much to spend it on, so don't overweight it.Is the Ultimate Edition worth $20 more?For the average player, Standard is the smart buy, and Ultimate is worth it only if the extra gear genuinely excites you. Twenty dollars spread across dozens of hours is a small premium, so this is not about money being tight. It comes down to whether premium vehicles and apparel are something you care about, or something you forget by the second mission.Pick Standard if you mostly want the story and the world. Pick Ultimate if you always buy the loaded edition and like starting a Rockstar game with a fuller garage and wardrobe. Rockstar has not announced any Standard-to-Ultimate upgrade path, so if you suspect you will want the extras, buying up front beats banking on a route that may never appear.Compare live Kinguin pricing for EU PS5 and Xbox Series X|S keys, plus account options, before you commit. Marketplace prices for the same edition move independently of Rockstar's $79.99 and $99.99, so it pays to check what a key costs on the day you buy. Note the region and activation carefully so your key matches your platform: see GTA 6 pricing on Kinguin.
Read moreRockstar has named two GTA 6 protagonists and seven supporting characters, and that list is the entire confirmed cast. Lucia Caminos is the first playable woman in a mainline Grand Theft Auto, and Jason Duval is the other half of a pairing Rockstar describes as Bonnie and Clyde. Every voice actor attached to those roles online comes from somewhere other than Rockstar.Lucia CaminosLucia Caminos was born in Liberty City and was imprisoned for trying to provide for her family. Her father taught her to fight. Those are the two biographical details Rockstar has given her, and together they point at a motive the series has not used before: not ambition, but obligation.She is also the only confirmed character with a formal tie to the state. Stefanie, Lucia's counselor at the Leonida Department of Corrections, is the one name on this cast list whose job is oversight rather than hustle, which marks Lucia's half of the story as the half with something watching it.Jason Duval, the other half of the pairJason Duval has military service behind him, has worked for smugglers in the Leonida Keys, and lives rent-free at a place belonging to Brian Heder. That is the whole of his confirmed background, and all of it puts him inside the criminal economy of Leonida before the story starts.Rockstar has confirmed the two leads and the Bonnie and Clyde framing, but has not said how or when the game switches between them. The framing itself is a real narrowing after GTA 5. Three leads meant a heist crew of specialists; two leads bound to each other means the story is a relationship first, and the crimes are what the relationship does.The names around themBrian Heder is a Keys smuggler and the owner of the place Jason lives in. Cal Hampton is Jason's friend, a homebody with a taste for conspiracy theories. Raul Bautista is a bank robber whose jobs are getting more reckless.Three descriptions, three different kinds of trouble: a man who moves goods, a man who never leaves the house, and a man who walks into banks. Rockstar has attached nothing else to any of them.Vice City money and musicBoobie Ike is a Vice City entrepreneur whose interests run across real estate, a recording studio and strip clubs. Dre'Quan Priest runs Only Raw Records and is framed as a hustler rather than a gangster. Real Dimez, the duo of Roxy and Bae-Luxe, are signed to Only Raw and carry a heavy social media presence.Those three fit together on their own: a man with a studio, a label owner, and the act on that label. It is a self-contained web of ambition, image and cash, and it is the only corner of the confirmed cast defined by what these characters are building rather than what they are taking.No voice cast, and three names that are not confirmedRockstar has not announced a single voice actor for GTA 6. The names circulating for Jason, Lucia and the supporting cast trace back to resumes, agency listings and actors' own offhand comments, so nobody yet knows who is playing these parts.Three more characters turn up on some cast lists: Lori Heder, Phil and Wyman. Rockstar has not confirmed any of them, which is why they are not in the list above.GTA 6 arrives on 19 November 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, at $79.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. You can pick up a key on Kinguin.FAQWhen does GTA 6 come out, and on what?19 November 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. There is no PS4 or Xbox One version, and Rockstar has neither confirmed a PC release nor given one a date. Physical copies contain a download code rather than a disc.Will GTA 6 Online be there at launch?Rockstar describes the launch version as a single-player experience and has not confirmed that GTA 6 Online will be available on day one. The free month of GTA+ that comes with digital pre-orders may therefore arrive before there is much to spend it on.
Read moreWaiting out GTA 6 sounds simple until you notice what the 19 November 2026 release actually is, a PS5 and Xbox Series X|S game with no announced PC version at all. That reshapes the whole question if PC is where you play. It also means the phrase games like GTA has to do real work, because it means five different things to five different people.One reader wants a slow-burn crime story, one wants a car that settles into a corner, one wants a systems toy where the fun is in breaking the rules. The picks below are sorted by which of those you are chasing, with platforms and rough prices. Those prices are typical marketplace rates and they move over time.If you want the crime storyRed Dead Redemption 2 is the obvious first stop and it earns it. It is Rockstar's own open world, built with the same DNA as GTA, and its story about a fading outlaw gang is the studio's most affecting writing to date. It runs on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, usually $20 to $40 depending on the sale.Mafia: Definitive Edition is tighter and more linear, a full remake of a period crime tale that trades sprawl for a focused rise-and-fall arc. It sits in the same $20 to $40 band across PS5, Xbox and PC. Sleeping Dogs drops you undercover in Hong Kong with brutal hand-to-hand combat and a genuine sense of place, and it is the best-value pick on this page.The Yakuza and Like a Dragon games give you the crime fantasy filtered through melodrama and comedy, with districts packed dense with side stories. They fall short only on scale, since their worlds are cities rather than states. If what you love about GTA is the writing rather than the acreage, start here.If you want the drivingForza Horizon 5 is the purest driving high on this list. It is not a crime game at all, but if what you love about GTA is the moment a car settles into a corner, nothing here handles better. It lives on Xbox Series X|S and PC, often around $30 to $50.Watch Dogs 2 gives you a sunlit San Francisco with light traffic and a hacking layer that lets you mess with the road itself. It is usually under $20 on PC, Xbox and PlayStation, and it is a warmer, funnier alternative to GTA's harder edge.Cyberpunk 2077 is the other end of the scale. Night City is one of the densest urban spaces ever built, and its driving has come a long way since launch. It runs on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, typically $30 to $40 now.If you want the chaos sandboxThe Saints Row series exists for people who found GTA too self-serious. It hands you absurd weapons, over-the-top missions and a city that treats destruction as the point rather than a side effect. The older entries are frequently under $20 across PC, PlayStation and Xbox.Just Cause is the physics toy in its rawest form, a grappling hook, a parachute and a wingsuit that turn every explosion into a launchpad. It rewards improvisation over planning and goes cheap regularly. Watch Dogs: Legion runs a different flavor of chaos, letting you recruit and play as anyone in a near-future London.Goat Simulator 3 is the comic outlier, a deliberately broken sandbox that treats bugs as features and works best in short, silly bursts. It is inexpensive on every current platform. None of these asks you to care about a plot, which is the whole appeal.If you want co-opGTA 5 Online is the honest answer here. The crew-and-heist fantasy that Rockstar has not confirmed for GTA 6's launch already exists there, with a decade of content behind it, and GTA 5 itself frequently drops under $20 on PC and both consoles.Beyond that, Watch Dogs: Legion and the Saints Row games carry co-op campaigns, so two of the chaos picks above double as something to do with a friend. Co-op is also the cheapest way to stretch a game you already own instead of buying another one.If you're on PC and have no GTA 6 dateThe strongest single answer is GTA 5 Enhanced with mods. It is the same world you already love, running better than ever, and the modding scene turns it into dozens of different games. That matters more on PC than anywhere else, because the PC wait is the open-ended one.After that, Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077 are the two best modern open worlds available on PC, both usually in the $30 to $40 range, and both hold up for dozens of hours. These are the games like GTA for PC worth your money right now.None of these replaces GTA 6, and we are not going to pretend they do. What they do is fill the gap honestly while you wait for a release you cannot yet mark on a calendar.When GTA 6 arrivesGTA 6 releases 19 November 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a Standard Edition at $79.99 and an Ultimate Edition at $99.99. Digital pre-load opens 12 November 2026 and boxed copies reach retail the same day, though those boxes hold a download code rather than a disc.Pre-orders have been open since 25 June 2026. Orders placed before 20 November 2026 get the Vintage Vice City Pack, physical copies while stocks last, and the free month of GTA+ goes to digital pre-orders only. Rockstar frames the launch as a single-player experience and has not said whether GTA 6 Online will be there on day one.Until then, the picks above are worth playing on their own terms rather than as a waiting room. If you are getting set for 19 November, Kinguin carries GTA 5, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S keys for GTA 6, and PSN and Xbox gift cards.FAQAre there GTA-like games on PS5?Yes, and several of them. Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Mafia: Definitive Edition, Just Cause and the Saints Row games all run on PS5, spanning crime stories, driving and chaos sandboxes, and most sit comfortably in the $20 to $40 range.Does the GTA 6 Ultimate Edition change how the game plays?Rockstar has not said. Ultimate adds exclusive vehicles, weapons and premium clothing described as woven through the narrative, but no full item list has been published and nothing confirms whether any of it affects progression. There is also no announced upgrade path from Standard to Ultimate.
Read moreThe real decision here is whether to buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S for the 19 November 2026 console launch or hold out for a PC version. The catch is that no GTA 6 PC release date exists to hold out for, because Rockstar has confirmed neither a PC edition nor a date. Everything you can responsibly say about GTA 6 on PC rests on two things, one quote from Take-Two's CEO and Rockstar's own history of porting its games.What Rockstar and Take-Two have actually saidIn May 2026, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick explained the console-first approach by saying Rockstar leads on consoles because "you're judged by serving the core." In the same breath he acknowledged that PC could represent 45 to 50% of a major launch's sales. That is the single most valuable thing anyone official has said about GTA 6 on PC.Read carefully, the quote does two jobs. It shows that launching on consoles first is a deliberate choice rather than a technical limitation, and it signals that PC is far too large a market to ignore. When roughly half your potential revenue lives on one platform, you do not abandon it. You schedule it.The quote is about strategy, not scheduling. It turns "is GTA 6 coming to PC" into a question of when rather than if, and it stops there.Rockstar's PC track recordThe precedent is consistent in shape if not in length. GTA 4 reached PC roughly seven months after its console debut, Red Dead Redemption 2 around twelve, and GTA 5 about nineteen, against an original pre-delay plan closer to fourteen.Those gaps do not line up with how ambitious each game was. GTA 5's long wait reflected a staggered generational strategy, with console re-releases arriving before the eventual PC edition. Read the three numbers as a range Rockstar has worked within, not as a rule with a cause attached to it.So when might GTA 6 reach PC?Seven to nineteen months after 19 November 2026 puts a PC edition somewhere between the middle of 2027 and the middle of 2028. That is a projection off three data points, and the twelve-month mark sits closest to Rockstar's most recent port, which is the one most likely to reflect how the studio works now.Rockstar is also unlikely to say anything until the console launch has settled. An early PC date pulls attention off the version the studio chose to lead with, and it commits the team to a deadline before they know how the port is going. That argues against news in the first weeks after launch whatever state the port is actually in.Why there are no GTA 6 PC system requirementsThere are no official GTA 6 PC system requirements. Rockstar has published no PC specifications and has not confirmed the version those specifications would describe, so any GPU tier, RAM figure or storage number circulating now has no official document behind it.Treat a requirements list the way you would treat a "leaked" internal date. Until it appears on the Rockstar Newswire or an official store page, it is not something to plan a hardware upgrade around.What PC players can do right nowGTA 5 Enhanced on PC is the anchor. It is the same Los Santos with better lighting and framerates, and the modding scene has spent a decade turning it into dozens of different games. If you drifted away once the story ended, that is where the hours are.Red Dead Redemption 2 is the closest thing to GTA that exists, because it shares a creator, and its outlaw story is Rockstar's most affecting writing. Cyberpunk 2077 has the densest city on this list in Night City, and both its handling and its performance are far better than they were at launch. Both go cheap in sales.Watch Dogs 2 is the lightest of these, a sunlit San Francisco with forgiving traffic and a hacking layer to play with, and it is the cheapest route to an open city with cars in it. Saints Row covers the other extreme, the comic sandbox GTA stopped being years ago. Between those five, the wait is a scheduling problem rather than a drought.Should you buy a PS5 or Xbox for GTA 6?If you buy a console purely for GTA 6, you are paying for hardware plus a full-price game to avoid a wait that could run a year or more. What that money actually buys is a date certain, which is the one thing the PC route cannot offer you.Weigh what else the machine earns you. A current-gen console brings an exclusive library you cannot get on PC and a straightforward path to launch day. For someone who plays console games anyway, the math works. For someone buying a box for one countdown, it usually does not.If you are staying on PC, Kinguin has GTA 5 if an enhanced return is where you start, and PS5 and Xbox Series X|S keys for GTA 6 if you decide the console route is worth it. Either way, spend on what you can play now.FAQIs there a PS4 or Xbox One version of GTA 6?No. Rockstar and Take-Two name PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S only, and there is no last-generation edition. The PS5 Pro is a variant of the PS5 rather than a separately announced platform, so it does not need one either.Do physical copies of GTA 6 include a disc?No. The boxed editions contain a download code, so whether your console has a disc drive does not affect this purchase. Digital pre-load opens 12 November 2026 and boxes reach shops the same day.Will GTA 6 Online be available at launch?Rockstar has not said. It describes the launch as a single-player experience and has not confirmed whether GTA 6 Online is part of it, which is worth knowing before you buy hardware with a co-op plan in mind.
Read moreThank YOU, Kings ❤️20 million registered users!It's a number we're incredibly proud of, but behind that number is something much more important: YOU.Whether you've been with us for years or just joined the KINGdom yesterday, thank you for being part of this journey.Thank you for every purchase, every recommendation, every message, every review and every piece of feedback you've shared with us along the way. Your ideas, opinions and support have helped shape Kinguin into what it is today.Gaming has always been about bringing people together and we're grateful that millions of you chose Kinguin as part of your gaming story. As we celebrate this milestone, we're not just looking back at how far we've come - we're excited about everything that's still ahead. New adventures, new features, new games and new ways to make your experience even better.From everyone at Kinguin: Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your support. Thank you for being part of our Kingdom.Here's to the next chapter and to many more years of gaming together 🧡YOUR Kinguin Team
Read moreEvery year, May the 4th brings the galaxy together - but in 2026, the Force feels stronger than ever. Whether you're a lifelong Jedi, a Sith in disguise or just someone looking to finally dive into the Star Wars universe, this year’s celebrations come packed with game deals, rewards and a few surprises worthy of a holocron.From modern hits to timeless classics, this is more than just a sale - it’s a full-blown Star Wars experience. A galaxy of deals: From Jedi Survivors to Classic LegendsLet’s start with the obvious - the games.This year’s May the 4th lineup brings together some of the most iconic Star Wars titles across generations. Leading the charge is Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, a cinematic, story-driven sequel that continues Cal Kestis’ journey in a darker, more dangerous galaxy. For fans of large-scale battles, Star Wars Battlefront II still delivers chaotic multiplayer clashes across legendary locations.But it’s not just about the modern era.Classic experiences like Knights of the Old Republic and Dark Forces are also part of the celebration, proving that great Star Wars storytelling never goes out of style. And if you’re looking for something more lighthearted, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga remains one of the most accessible and entertaining ways to relive the entire saga.The Mystery Box: Let the Force decide your fateNot every journey is predictable - and that’s exactly the point.The “May the Loot Be With You” Mystery Box adds a layer of surprise to the celebration. Instead of choosing your next adventure, you let the Force decide. Each box contains a random title from a curated selection, including heavy hitters like Jedi: Survivor, Battlefront Classic Collection and even Mass Effect Legendary Edition.It’s part gamble, part discovery - and for many players, that’s where the fun begins. Get it here.Win the Millennium FalconNo Star Wars event would be complete without something big - and this year’s giveaway delivers.Players can enter a contest for a chance to win the LEGO Millennium Falcon (#75192), one of the most iconic collector’s sets ever released. Alongside it, additional prizes like Kinguin gift cards are up for grabs, making it a solid opportunity whether you’re a collector, a builder or just here for the loot.Entry is simple, but the reward? Legendary. Something for every kind of fanWhat makes this May the 4th event stand out is how wide its reach is.Want a deep, narrative-driven journey? - Jedi seriesPrefer competitive or large-scale battles? - BattlefrontLooking for nostalgia? - KOTOR, Dark ForcesPlaying with friends or just chilling? - LEGO Star Wars The Force is strong with this oneAt its core, May the 4th has always been about celebrating what makes Star Wars special - stories, choices and the feeling that you’re part of something bigger.This year’s event captures that perfectly. Between discounted games, mystery rewards and a chance to win one of the most iconic ships in sci-fi history, there’s a clear message:Your journey starts now and May the 4th be with you!
Read moreAt first glance, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era might not seem like the kind of game that dominates headlines. There’s no massive cinematic push, no loud marketing campaign trying to convince everyone that this is the next big thing in strategy games. And yet, the more you look at it, the more it starts to feel like something quietly important - not just for long-time fans, but for the genre as a whole.Because in a landscape where strategy games are constantly trying to move faster, automate more, and appeal to broader audiences, Olden Era seems to be doing something surprisingly rare: It’s slowing things down.A different kind of strategy game in a modern marketModern strategy games often lean toward speed and efficiency. Whether it’s real-time gameplay, heavy automation, or systems designed to minimize downtime, the goal is usually the same - keep players constantly engaged, constantly reacting.The Olden Era takes a different route. By staying firmly in the turn-based space, it brings back a style of play where time is on your side. You’re not rushing to keep up. You’re planning, exploring and making decisions that unfold over time. It’s a design philosophy that used to define the genre, but has become less common in recent years. Why going back to Erathia actually mattersWorldbuilding has always been a huge part of what made Heroes memorable. The sense of place, the factions, the atmosphere - these weren’t just background elements, they shaped how you played and how you connected with the game.By revisiting a more classic fantasy tone, Olden Era taps into something that feels familiar without needing to rely entirely on nostalgia. It creates a world that’s easy to understand, but still rich enough to explore. For returning players, it feels like coming home. For new players, it’s an accessible entry point.Clarity over chaosOne of the more subtle strengths of the Olden Era, at least based on what we’ve seen so far, is its focus on clarity. In many modern strategy games, complexity can sometimes come at the cost of readability. Systems stack on top of systems, and while that can create depth, it can also make the experience harder to follow.Olden Era seems to avoid that trap. The visuals are designed to support gameplay, not overwhelm it. The map is readable, the units are distinct, and the overall structure feels intentional. It’s the kind of design that lets players focus on decisions instead of deciphering the interface.That might not sound flashy, but it’s incredibly important and often overlooked.Not just for veteransIt would be easy to assume that Olden Era is aimed purely at long-time fans of the series. And while they are clearly a key audience, the game also has the potential to reach beyond that.By combining familiar mechanics with modern usability, it creates a space where new players can jump in without feeling lost. The core ideas are simple enough to understand, but layered enough to reward those who want to go deeper.In a way, it offers something that many strategy games struggle with: a low barrier to entry, but a high skill ceiling. That’s a powerful combination, especially in today’s market.A quiet contenderOlden Era might not be the loudest release on the horizon, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked. In fact, its more restrained approach could end up being its biggest strength. By focusing on what actually makes strategy games satisfying - thoughtful pacing, clear systems and meaningful decisions it positions itself as something that can stick with players for the long term. You don’t have to wait to jump inIf you’re already interested, there’s good news - you don’t have to just watch from the sidelines. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is already available on Kinguin, making it easy to secure your copy ahead of release.And if you’re feeling nostalgic, you can also pick up the classic Heroes games there - including Heroes III and other entries that defined the series.
Read moreFor a lot of players, Heroes of Might and Magic III isn’t just another strategy game from the past - it’s something that quietly shaped how they think about games even today. It’s the kind of title people reinstall every few years, telling themselves it’s just for a quick session, only to realize hours later that they’re still chasing that one last turn before going to bed.That magic never really disappeared. What did disappear, however, was a true continuation of it.Over the years, we’ve seen new entries try to carry the Heroes name forward, but something always felt slightly off. Sometimes it was the tone, sometimes the mechanics, and sometimes it was harder to define - just a general feeling that the soul of the series had been lost somewhere along the way. Players didn’t necessarily want something bigger or more modern. They wanted something that understood why the older games worked in the first place.And that’s where Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era starts to feel… different.Not a reinvention and that’s the pointWhat immediately stands out about the Olden Era isn’t that it’s trying to push the genre in a bold new direction. If anything, it feels like it’s doing the opposite - stepping back, slowing down and looking closely at what made Heroes special to begin with.From the early footage and details we’ve seen so far, there’s a clear focus on readability and structure. The map feels designed to be explored, not rushed through. The gameplay loop appears deliberate, encouraging players to think ahead instead of reacting in real time. It doesn’t scream for attention with flashy systems or unnecessary complexity. Instead, it quietly suggests that maybe the best way forward is to respect what already worked.That approach alone is enough to catch the attention of long-time fans. The kind of strategy people actually missThere’s a reason people still talk about Heroes III the way they do, and it’s not just nostalgia.It’s about the rhythm of the game - the slow buildup, the tension of deciding where to move next, the satisfaction of finally outplaying an opponent after carefully planning several turns ahead. It’s about having enough systems to create depth, but not so many that the experience becomes overwhelming.Olden Era seems to lean into that philosophy. It brings back a pace that allows decisions to breathe, where exploration feels meaningful and every resource matters. Instead of trying to compete with faster, more chaotic strategy games, it embraces a more thoughtful approach - one that rewards patience and planning.In a market full of games trying to be louder and faster, that kind of restraint actually stands out.Familiar, but not stuck in the pastWhat’s interesting is that the Olden Era doesn’t appear to be chasing nostalgia blindly. While it clearly draws inspiration from earlier titles, it doesn’t feel like a simple copy.There’s an effort to balance familiarity with subtle modernization. The visuals, for example, seem to aim for clarity as much as style, making it easier to read the battlefield and navigate the world. The systems look approachable enough for new players, while still offering depth for those who want to dive deeper.That balance could be crucial. Because while long-time fans are the obvious audience, the game also has a chance to introduce a new generation to a type of strategy experience that’s become surprisingly rare. Hope, with a bit of cautionIf there’s one thing the Heroes community has learned over the years, it’s to be careful with expectations.There’s definitely excitement around the Olden Era, but it’s a quieter kind of hype - less about bold promises, and more about cautious optimism. Players are paying attention, analyzing every bit of gameplay footage, trying to figure out whether this is finally the game that gets it right.And for the first time in a long while, there’s a growing sense that it just might. A comeback worth watchingIt’s still too early to say whether Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era will reach the same legendary status as Heroes III. That’s a level very few games ever achieve.But what it’s already doing is arguably just as important.It’s reminding people why they fell in love with the series in the first place, while suggesting that those ideas can still work today without being radically reinvented. If the final game delivers on what it’s currently showing, this could be more than just another entry in the series - it could be a genuine return to form.And for fans who have been waiting for something like this for years, that possibility alone is enough to get excited. Ready to return to the world of Heroes?If reading this made you want to jump back into the series, you don’t actually have to wait for Olden Era to release.You can already explore the world of Heroes of Might and Magic on Kinguin, where you’ll find not only the upcoming Olden Era, but also the classic entries that defined the genre - including the legendary Heroes III.So whether you’re coming back for nostalgia or preparing for what’s next, one thing is clear: the Heroes journey is far from over.
Read moreFußball in Deutschland ist mehr als nur ein Spiel.Er ist Teil unserer Kultur, unserer Biografien, unserer Wochenenden. Er begleitet uns seit der Kindheit – vom Bolzplatz hinterm Haus bis zum ersten Derby mit dem Vater.Für Millionen Menschen bedeutet Fußball Zugehörigkeit. Zu einem Verein. Zu einer Stadt. Zu einer Gemeinschaft.Doch genau dieser verbindende Kern des Sports gerät zunehmend unter Druck.Um heute die wichtigsten Wettbewerbe legal verfolgen zu können, müssen Fans in Deutschland mehrere Abonnements abschließen – und am Ende weit über 1.400 Euro pro Saison bezahlen. Nicht für Tickets. Nicht für Trikots. Nicht für das Bier im Stadion. Sondern allein für den digitalen Zugang zum Bildschirm.Fußball wird damit schleichend vom Volkssport zum Premiumprodukt. Wer nicht zahlt, bleibt außen vor. Familien müssen abwägen, Studierende verzichten, ältere Fans verlieren den Anschluss an „ihren“ Verein.Das ist kein Fortschritt. Das ist Entfremdung.Denn Fußball lebt nicht von Paywalls – er lebt von Menschen. Von Emotionen. Von der gemeinsamen Erfahrung, die Generationen, Einkommen und Lebenswelten miteinander verbindet.Wenn sich Millionen Fans fragen, ob sie sich ihren Lieblingssport noch leisten können, läuft etwas grundlegend falsch.Und genau hier beginnt diese Geschichte. Fußball war einmal für alle daDer legendäre Kapitän der deutschen Nationalmannschaft, langjähriger Spieler des FC Bayern München und eine Ikone der Bundesliga brachte die Werte des Sports klar auf den Punkt:„Sportliches Verhalten bedeutet faires Verhalten.”— Philipp LahmFairness bedeutete früher auch: Zugänglichkeit. Fußball war etwas, das man nach der Arbeit einschalten konnte, ohne zuerst das eigene Budget zu prüfen.Um heute in Deutschland alle relevanten Fußballwettbewerbe legal verfolgen zu können, reicht längst kein einzelnes Abo mehr aus. Die Übertragungsrechte sind auf verschiedene Anbieter verteilt – jeder besitzt nur einen Teil des Gesamtpakets. Wer Bundesliga, internationale Wettbewerbe und die entscheidenden Top-Spiele sehen will, muss mehrere Plattformen parallel abonnieren. Erst in der Summe wird sichtbar, wie teuer dieser zersplitterte Markt für Fans wirklich ist. Wie sieht es genau in Zahlen aus? ca. 1340€ Genau so viel wirst du in den kommenden Jahren in Deutschland zahlen müssen, um einfach nur Fußball schauen zu können. Der Fußball ist noch da – doch die Direktanbieter machen den Zugang jedes Jahr teurerWie genannt, wer Bundesliga und die großen europäischen Wettbewerbe verfolgen möchte, steht inzwischen vor Kosten von über 1.200 bis 1.400 € pro Jahr.Das ist mehr als:Die durchschnittlichen Stromkosten einer 3-Personen-Familie ca. 1310 € Ein neues iPhone 17 Pro ca. 1299 €Der Wert von drei Trabis deines Onkels ca. drei Kästen Bier ;)Und trotzdem fühlt sich Fußball heute nicht mehr wie ein gemeinsames Kulturgut an,sondern wie ein Geschäftsmodell auf Kosten der Fans.Immer neue Abos, immer neue Paywalls, immer neue Rechnungen –während man uns erzählt, es sei „Fortschritt“.Der Fußball ist noch da.Nur der Zugang zu ihm wird jedes Jahr ein Stück teurer. Schluss mit Abo-Chaos: So behalten Fans die Kontrolle über ihre KostenNiemand verlangt kostenlosen Fußball. Aber immer mehr Fans haben genug davon, dass ihr Hobby jedes Jahr neu verpackt und teurer verkauft wird.Die gute Nachricht:Man muss dieses Spiel nicht mehr zu den Bedingungen der großen Anbieter mitspielen. Denn es entsteht gerade ein zweiter Markt – digitale Marktplätze, auf denen Abos, Guthaben und Zugänge legal weitergegeben, verglichen und flexibel genutzt werden können.So behältst du die Kontrolle:1. Geh auf einen digitalen Marktplatz, zum Beispiel: Kinguin.net 2. Suche nach dem Abo, das dich interessiert, zum Beispiel: Amazon Prime 12 Monate3. Vergleiche die Preise auf dem Marktplatz mit anderen Anbietern 4. … und sieh selbst, wie viel günstiger Abonnements auf Marktplätzen wie Kinguin wirklich sind.Du entscheidest, was ein fairer Preis ist – nicht der Konzern.
Read moreSome announcements are important.Some are exciting.And then there is this one.Kinguin has officially adopted a penguin at the Warsaw Zoo.And not just any penguin.From today, Kowalski the penguin is our new ambassador. 👑 Ambassador reveal: KowalskiKowalski is a full Kinguin ambassador.He doesn’t stream (yet). He doesn’t tweet (for now).But:🐟 he loves fish (like every penguin with self-respect)🌊 he spends time with other penguins - because penguins are super social🖤🤍 he looks great in his tuxedo 24/7😎 he stays cool in every situation This adoption is not just symbolic. Kinguin supports Kowalski’s care and daily needs at the Warsaw Zoo. He is under the professional care of experienced keepers and together we make sure he has proper food (yes, lots of fish 🐟), a safe and comfortable place to live, and good conditions every single day.Who is the African (Cape) penguin?Kowalski is an African penguin (Spheniscus demersus).🌍 Penguins from AfricaYes, really.African penguins live near the coast of South Africa and Namibia.Not all penguins live in ice and snow.🔊 They are very loudAfrican penguins make sounds that are similar to a donkey.That’s why people sometimes call them “jackass penguins”.They use sound to talk, find each other, and stay together.🖤 Every penguin is uniqueThe black dots on a penguin’s belly are different for each one.It’s like a fingerprint. Kowalski has his own unique pattern.🐟 Fish is serious businessThey eat mostly fish, like sardines and anchovies.For penguins, fish time = best time.🏊 Water prosIn water, penguins are fast and smooth swimmers.On land… they walk funny. And that’s part of the charm.👥 Community firstAfrican penguins are very social animals.They live in groups, recognize each other, and stay close.We feel that. 🐧 A day in the life of KowalskiWhat does our ambassador do all day?swimschillshangs out with other penguinswaits for fishgets fishwaits for more fishSimple life. Good life. 💙 King's CareKinguin is more than games and digital products. We believe in community, responsibility and doing good things beyond the screen.By adopting Kowalski, we support animal care and help protect an endangered species - in a way that feels true to who we are. Welcome to the team, Kowalski!It’s official now.Kowalski the African penguin is the new Kinguin ambassador.Welcome to the family 💙
Read more[ALERT] — SYSTEM LOG: KINGUIN.NET DATE: 17.11.2025 STATUS: SECURITY BREACH DETECTED INTEGRITY LEVEL: COMPROMISED ⚠️⚠️ PRICE INTEGRITY COMPROMISEDOur systems are… not okay.Price files are corrupt. Discounts are spreading. Codes are leaking faster than we can patch them.Reports confirm:Amazon, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam prepaid stock exposed.Game release prices behaving violently.KING’s Pass users overriding firewalls to access classified deals. ACTIVE ZONES: BLACK WEEKSNovember 17 — December 6.The Kinguin network remains unstable.New Games Escaped ContainmentPrepaid Leaks Flooding MarketplacesFlash Sales Reload Every Few HoursKING’s Pass Users Breaking the System (legally) Every scroll could open a wormhole into -90% deals. Proceed carefully but fast!💾 SYSTEM FILES // GAME RELEASES BREACHEDThe biggest games of the year didn’t just launch - they fell straight into the glitch.Here’s what escaped the vault:Call of Duty: Black Ops 7File name: BLACKOPS_MEMORY_CORRUPT.exeDescription: Explosions. Lies. David Mason’s midlife crisis.Action: Buy before the servers remember the real price.ARC RaidersFile name: ARCRAIDERS_FREEFALL.dllStatus: Co-op chaos detected. Too many players winching trees for physics stability.Action: Recommended fix — grab for cheap and embrace the beautiful mess.Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2File name: SPACEMARINE_ULTRABRO.cogIssue: Chainsword prices dropping faster than heretics.Action: Purge full-price heresy immediately.Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate EditionFile name: PATCH_3.0_REDEMPTION.savDescription: Finally stable, finally worth it — and now, finally cheap.Action: Install before Night City notices.Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIFile name: MEDIEVAL_GLITCH.knightError log: Horses clipping into castles. Peasants rioting about discounts.Action: Grab your sword (and wallet) before the king restores order.THE PREPAID LEAKPrepaid stock has gone rogue - Amazon, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam cards are dropping with up to 90% off.Every discount turns into currency to spend elsewhere ⏰ FLASH PROTOCOLS ENGAGEDRotating “glitch windows” are now live.Deals vanish and reappear every few hours.Next event cycle: unpredictable.FIREWALL BYPASSED — KING’S PASS USERS DETECTEDKING’s Pass subscribers broke containment first.Now they rule the breach with:Up to 25% deeper discountsEarly deal accessRandom “KING’s Drops” during chaos hours🧠 SYSTEM NOTECampaign Duration: Nov 17 – Dec 6Peak Instability: Black Friday (Nov 28) // Cyber Monday (Dec 1) [TERMINAL MESSAGE: END OF TRANSMISSION] Reboot scheduled for 06.12.2025. Until then… enjoy the chaos.
Read moreNovember feels big - not because of the weather, but because this is when the KING’s Pass starts showing what it’s really made of.If you already have it, you know the drill. If you don’t… well, you might want to.KING’s Pass in a nutshellKING’s Pass is for people who love games and hate overpaying.For the price of one lunch a month (2.99 EUR + tax), you unlock:KING’s Discounts - More games, less spending. Save up to 25% on over 150K+ games, prepaids, and in-game items - every deal hits harder with KING’s Pass.KING’s Gift - Free games. Every month. Get a new game or private server every month - no catches, just rewards.Pre-Order Priority - Be the first to claim pre-orders. KING’s Pass members get priority access when demand peaks.KING’s Support - A dedicated support and care just for KING’s Pass members, ready to fix anything fast so you can get back to gaming.KING’s Premium Deals - Access special offers and deals made just for KING’s Pass members. The best stuff, fitted for the kings! It’s the kind of thing that quietly saves you money while feeling like a small upgrade to your gaming life.And then there’s KING’s DropEvery week, something special happens - a major game goes live for €1.Limited keys, fast fingers, good luck.That’s the KING’s Drop: a weekly surprise where a few members walk away with huge titles for pocket change.No tricks, just timing.November line-upThis month’s drops read like a wishlist: Each drop opens for members only - so if you’re holding a pass, your November already looks good.The KING’s Pass isn’t about spending more; it’s about making every purchase feel smarter.It’s quiet, it’s simple, and it just works.The month to startNovember’s line-up is probably the best reason yet to give it a try.Even if you only join for one month, you’ll see how much further your wallet goes when you’re part of the royal circle.And if you already have the pass - keep an eye on THAT timer.Your next favorite game might be waiting in this month’s KING’s Drop.Because on Kinguin, being a king just means playing smarter 👑
Read moreThat "yes, this is it!" moment - that’s exactly the experience we want to make even smoother.Introducing Kingu 🦾 - Our AI customer chatbot, co-created with our community - with a name chosen by users, for everyone.What makes Kingu special? Pre-tested on thousands of interactions and real-life problems, so it knows what you need 📈 Goes beyond genres and categories available in standard search, helping you discover games effortlessly 🃏 Gives access to all active products on Kinguin through simple interactions 🎯 Creates tickets with automatic category assignment, so your request reaches the right team as quickly as possible 🎟️ Need to check your order status here and now? Kingu makes it instantly accessible 💳 Guides you through FAQs with step-by-step video tutorials, so you can follow along and solve issues effortlessly 🎥 Kingu is a new AI assistant designed to help you get an even better experience on Kinguin. For longtime Kinguin users, you might remember that Milo originally appeared as a little easter egg in our comics - Kingu is back with a wink just for you 😉
Read moreThe new school year is here, but don’t get sad! It’s time to celebrate and keep the fun going. Kinguin is giving away free Minecraft servers for everyone! Yes, completely free. No tricks, no hidden fees. Just your own Minecraft world to explore with friends.Why do you need a Minecraft server?A private Minecraft server is more than just a place to play. It’s your world, your rules:Build without limits – create huge castles, pixel art, or even your own city with friends.Survive together – team up in Survival Mode, fight mobs, and collect rare items.Mods & plugins – add custom features, skins, or minigames. Turn your server into a playground.Invite friends anytime – no more waiting for others. Your server is always online, ready for action. Make it a place where you and your squad hang out after school. It’s perfect if you want freedom, creativity, or just a safe spot to play with your team. And here’s the best part: Kinguin is now giving away free Minecraft servers to celebrate Back to School. It’s simple:Go to the promo page & claim your free server NOW! No payments, no credit card needed. Just pure Minecraft fun, hosted by Kinguin. Celebrate Back to School the fun wayWe know school can feel heavy after summer break. But this year, you can start it with something fun: your own Minecraft world. Play with friends, explore together, and show off your creativity. Forget the “back to school blues” - this September is all about building, exploring, and having fun for free. FAQ – Free Minecraft Server from KinguinIs the Minecraft server really free?Yes! Kinguin is giving away servers with no hidden fees. Just claim it and start playing. How long does the free server last?The server is free for the promotional period - 7 days. You can extend or upgrade later if you want, but the starting offer costs you nothing. Can I install mods on my free server?Of course! You can add mods, plugins, and custom features to make the server truly yours. Do I need special software to run it?No. Everything is hosted online. You just claim the server and log in through Minecraft as usual. Don’t miss this chance: Kinguin is giving away free Minecraft servers for everyone. Celebrate the new school year with your squad, craft epic builds, and keep the fun alive every day. 👉 Claim your free server now here and start your adventure today.
Read moreThe wait is over - KING’s Pass has arrived on Kinguin. It’s not just another subscription; it’s your ticket to cheaper games, secret deals, and a little extra thrill every week. If you’ve ever searched “where to buy cheap PC games” or “best gaming subscription 2025”, this is what you were hoping to find. What You Get With KING’s Pass 👑KING’s Pass unlocks powerful tools for every gamer:Big Discounts – Save up to 25% on thousands of games, DLCs, software, and in-game items.Free Monthly Gift – Every month, you can grab a free PC game key or even hosting for your own server.Pre-Order Priority – Get first access to the games everyone is waiting forVIP Support – Dedicated Customer support just for the KING’s Pass members.Premium Deals – Hidden offers only available to KING’s Pass. And here’s the kicker: it’s only 2.99 EUR per month. Yes, less than your coffee on the go!KING’s Drop: The Weekly Gaming RushBeing a member also means you unlock KING’s Drop - weekly events with limited stock and massive discounts.New drops every week.Limited to KING’s Pass members only.First-come, first-served - once it’s gone, it’s gone.One week it could be a cult classic, another week a fresh indie hit. Every drop is different, and every drop is exciting.Why Join Now?Save money on every purchase - the more you game, the more you save.Enjoy surprise gifts - monthly freebies keep your library growing.Get the thrill of the Drop - fast, fun, and only for members.Cancel anytime - no lock-in, no stress.KING’s Pass was made for gamers who don’t just play - they live the game. KING’s Pass makes gaming cheaper, faster, and more fun. From discounts to free games and weekly Drops, it’s a subscription built to power up your library without draining your wallet.If you’re ready to level up how you buy games, join KING’s Pass today on Kinguin.Because gaming should feel epic - not expensive.
Read moreSummer break is over, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. At Kinguin, we’re starting the school year with big discounts on the hottest games and must-have software. Whether you want to relax after classes with your favorite titles or need tools to get work done, we’ve got your back.Top games on sale - now cheaperHere are some of the biggest hits and hidden gems you can grab with Back to School savings:EA Sports FC 25 – up to 35% offMinecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition – about 20% offHogwarts Legacy – almost 40% offRed Dead Redemption 2 – over 60% offThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt GOTY – more than 80% offBaldur’s Gate 3 – around 20% offGTA V: Premium Edition – up to 75% offElden Ring – about 30% offCyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition – around 35% off Must-Have Software DealsNot only games - start the school year with software for less:Microsoft Office 2021 Pro Plus – over 80% offWindows 11 Pro – up to 85% offESET Internet Security – almost 90% offBitdefender Total Security – around 85% offCorelDRAW Graphics Suite – up to 60% offVegas Pro 21 Edit – up to 70% offPerfect for school projects, editing, design, or just keeping your laptop safe. Contest: Too Cool For SchoolJoin our “Too Cool For School” contest and get the chance to win: 🎮 3x Cooler Master gaming chairs🖥️ 10x iiyama monitors💳 30x Kinguin vouchers worth €75 eachJust play and join - it’s that simple. Cashback is KingAnd here’s another way to save more: with our Cashback is King promo, you can get up to €10 cashback for your next shopping. The more you play and buy, the more you save. Don’t miss this chance to stack deals and come back for even cheaper games. Free Minecraft ServerHere’s something extra for the community: every player can grab a free Minecraft server to play with friends. Build your own world, install mods, and enjoy smooth gameplay for free. Find out more here. This September, make your Back to School season legendary. Save up to 90% on games and software, join our contest, claim cashback for even more savings, and don’t forget to start your free Minecraft server with friends. Only at Kinguin.
Read more Welcome to the Kinguin Summer Fun Arcade - your ultimate digital amusement park! We've opened the gates, fired up the pixel-powered popcorn machines, and rolled out a rollercoaster of sweet summer deals. Forget the heatwaves and mosquito bites. This summer, the only thing you’ll be sweating over is what game to play next 💦 Let’s explore the most exciting attractions in the park - your summer starts now! The Sims 4 – Poolside Splash Kit DLCReady to throw the ultimate backyard bash? This DLC is a mini-expansion for The Sims 4 that adds stylish swimsuits, colorful floaties, and even a flamingo sprinkler. Perfect if you love to micromanage fictional humans and their pool parties.Paradise Beach SimulatorA peaceful beach, relaxing waves, and zero responsibilities. Build your own resort, design chill zones, and pretend you’re the world's best beach manager. Think Sims meets island chill vibes.PowerWash SimulatorThere’s dirt. There’s grime. And then, there’s you - the power-washing savior with a hose and a dream. From grimy playgrounds to haunted houses (yes, there are themed DLCs), this game turns cleaning into pure joy.Dave the DiverHalf deep-sea diver, half sushi restaurant manager, Dave the Diver is like Stardew Valley got lost in the ocean and brought back a tuna. Funny, quirky, and packed with unexpected twists, you’ll never look at sea cucumbers the same.DorfromantikThis is your zen zone. Build forests, lakes, and cute towns by placing relaxing tiles. No pressure. No enemies. Just peaceful puzzle-building with expansions like The Game Mode Update and Seasons DLC for extra vibes.Pool Cleaning SimulatorFrom gross to glossy, this sim lets you scrub, vacuum, and purify fancy pools and backyard messes. Oddly satisfying and way less sweaty than doing it IRL.Forza Horizon 5Take on open-world Mexico in this gorgeous, high-speed racer. With events from volcano races to beach drag strips and DLCs like Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure, this game is summer freedom in a sports car.ISLANDERSSimple. Beautiful. Addictive. Build peaceful little cities on colorful islands and watch the points stack up. ISLANDERS is low-pressure strategy that rewards your creativity - perfect for lazy summer evenings.ABZÛFrom the art director of Journey and Flower, ABZÛ is an underwater exploration game that feels like a playable dream. Swim with whales, explore ruins, and discover a mysterious world without a single weapon in sight.Planet CoasterMake the coaster of your dreams… or nightmares. Build entire theme parks, bankrupt yourself with bad food pricing, and watch guests puke on your cursed loop-de-loop. DLCs? Tons - including Ghostbusters, Spooky, Vintage, and more. 🎟️ Explore the Full Kinguin Summer Sale!The Kinguin Summer Sale is way bigger than just one arcade. We’ve built a whole theme park of deals, and you’ve got an all-access wristband:HypeRide Zone: High-speed action, top AAA titles, adrenaline maxedArcade of Classics: Retro hits, pixel power, golden-age nostalgiaSun & Fun Arcade: Summer-themed sims and easygoing gamesThe Co-Op Coaster: Multiplayer fun with friendsThe Haunted House: Scary-good horror & mystery discountsWith up to -92% off, the only thing scarier than missing this is your gaming backlog!👉 Explore all rides & deals here Bonus Round: Get up to 5€ Cashback with Picodi!Yes, you heard it right - on top of sizzling discounts, you can also earn money back. With Picodi Cashback, you’ll get up to 5€ back on your Kinguin purchases. 👉 Learn more & start earning cashback HERE.
Read moreStop the presses. Pause your game. The Queen is here.We’re beyond excited to announce that Joanna Jędrzejczyk, MMA legend and hardcore gamer, is joining forces with Kinguin as our brand ambassador.She’s fierce. She’s fast. She’s fearless.She’s everything we believe a gamer, and a Kinguin community member should be.And now, she’s our Queen. 👑 Who is Joanna Jędrzejczyk? If you don’t know Joanna Jędrzejczyk, you’re about to.If you do know her - you’re probably already hyped.Joanna is:Former UFC Strawweight ChampionMulti-time Muay Thai & MMA world championOne of the most respected Polish athletes ever🎮 A true fighter who loves to compete and connectWhether she’s dominating in the octagon or online, Joanna knows what it takes to win and more importantly, how to have fun doing it.Why Joanna x Kinguin? Because the Kingdom Needs a Queen 👑You already know our campaign: Think Like a KING.It’s not just about games - it’s about how you live:Think boldMove fastStay sharpHave funBut here’s the thing: Every Kingdom needs a Queen.And Joanna Jędrzejczyk is the perfect fit. She’s a fighter, a gamer, a leader, and an icon. She embodies everything Kinguin stands for - passion, energy, and community.With Joanna on board, we’re taking Think Like a KING to the next level:👉 Think Like a KING. Fight Like a QUEEN. What’s Coming: Big Things with Joanna & KinguinThis isn’t a one-off announcement.This is the start of a royal journey for the entire Kinguin community.Here’s what to expect: Exclusive video content and behind-the-scenes fun with Joanna Gaming streams with the Queen herself Limited-edition giveaways and special promotions Candid interviews and community Q&A A fresh new face for our Think Like a KING campaign - now with serious Queen energy Ready to Rule? 🐧👑Gaming is about more than just winning. It’s about thinking big, moving fast, and having fun with your crew.With Joanna Jędrzejczyk as our new Kinguin ambassador, we’re here to remind the world:👉 Anyone can be a King or Queen in the Kingdom of Gaming.So join us. Celebrate with us. Game with us.Because the best part? The Queen’s just getting started.👉 Watch the official trailer here.
Read moreMore and more people are buying game accounts, and there are good reasons for this trend. As popular games, especially big titles, keep getting more expensive, it can be tough to buy the latest games without spending too much money. With so many great games available, many players want a cost-effective way to enjoy them. First, players tried buying CD keys, then gifts, and now many are choosing to buy accounts. This change can really help you access lots of games without spending a lot, allowing you to play more without hurting your wallet. Buying Accounts - A Smart and Affordable ChoiceLet’s be honest - gaming can get really expensive, especially with all the new games trying to take your money. That’s why more gamers are looking for cheaper options, and buying accounts is becoming a popular choice. These accounts usually cost much less than buying games at full price, giving you a great chance to get the games you want without spending too much.The way it works? Many games are bought from regions where prices are much lower, and this doesn’t stop you from playing. You can enjoy your favorite games no matter where you are. While some people might hesitate to use different accounts for certain games, many gamers are happy to purchase a separate, new account just to save money. In today’s gaming world, saving money is important, and many players are willing to give up some things, like achievements on their main accounts (like on Steam), to play their favorite games without spending a lot. Addressing Your Concerns: Account Safety and OwnershipWe understand that many people have their doubts about buying accounts, which can make them unsure about it. One common concern is that multiple people might share the same account, but that’s not how it works here. At Kinguin, we have strict rules to make sure only one person can use each account. When you buy an account from us, you become the full owner, giving you complete control. We even encourage you to make it your own by changing the email, updating the login and password, and setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.Another concern is about hacked or stolen accounts, which is understandable given the issues in gaming today. But you can feel safe with us! All the accounts we sell are brand new – they are created just for sale at Kinguin and have never been used by anyone else. You’ll have a fresh start without any problems from past users.Account bans are also a big concern for many players. However, if you follow the simple rules in the product description, your account will stay safe. Some important guidelines to remember are: don’t add your own payment methods, avoid changing the region, don’t make any purchases, and use the account only to access the game you want to play instead of treating it as your main account. This way, you can enjoy your favorite games without worrying too much about the cost.If you run into any issues with your purchased account, you can always reach out to the seller or contact our helpful customer support team. Our sellers know that accounts can be tricky, and they will try their best to fix any problems. Plus, our customer support staff is trained to help with account issues, so you can count on them to assist you quickly.Check out Game Accounts at Kinguin here. Unlock Exclusive Access: Accounts as Your Way to Hard-to-Find GamesIn the gaming world, not all games can be bought with regular digital keys. For some popular titles, the only way to get them is by buying an account. This option is great for players who want to enjoy exciting games without spending too much money. This is especially true for Early Access games on Steam, where players might be hesitant to pay full price for games that are still being developed and might not be fully finished in the near future. Buying an account allows you to play these games for a much lower cost, giving you a chance to enjoy new content. Accounts really offer a smart way to access these games and discover the future of gaming without hurting your wallet! Why Buying Accounts Might Be the Right Choice for YouAs game prices, especially for popular AAA titles, keep going up, buying accounts has become a smart and budget-friendly option for players. Accounts usually cost much less than buying games at full price, making them an affordable way to access games, including those hard-to-find titles that can only be bought this way. Early Access games on platforms like Steam are a great example, where accounts let you try new content without paying full price for games that are still being developed.We know there are concerns about buying accounts - many players worry about sharing access or that accounts might get hacked or stolen. However, these fears are not true here, as our accounts are brand new and belong only to you once you buy them. If you follow our simple usage guidelines, you can enjoy your gaming without worrying about account bans or losing access.In the end, accounts are the next step to making gaming more affordable for everyone. Just like CD keys had their doubts before becoming common, accounts are heading down a similar path. Soon, players will look back and hardly remember the worries about buying accounts, appreciating how they opened up a more accessible gaming experience. Check out Game Accounts at Kinguin here.
Read moreGamers, it’s time to refresh your library with some blooming good deals! Kinguin is bringing you Buy Like a KING, a spring-loaded sale where you can grab your favorite games, software, and more at royally low prices.🌼 What’s the deal?From now until March 23, 2025, you can save up to 74% on a massive range of digital goodies. Yes, you read that right - huge discounts up to -74% are already applied across tons of products! And because we love making deals even sweeter... 🌷 Bonus: Extra 10% Off!Use the special code SPRINGDEALS at checkout and get an extra 10% off ALL promo items! That’s right, discounts are already massive, but we’re giving you even more savings on top. Stack those deals and grab your favorites before they’re gone!🐔 Cluck & LoadCounter-Strike 2 fans, this one's for you! The Cluck & Load promo brings you crazy discount on CS2 products. Enjoy an extra 8% off with the code SPRINGCS2.Click here to learn more.🐣 Pssst… A Surprise for CS2 Players!The chickens on our Discord have been clucking about something BIG… and let’s just say, you don’t want to miss it. Could it be a huge giveaway? Maybe. Could it be your chance to score something awesome? Definitely. Hop into our X (ex Twitter) and find out! Just like spring flowers, these discounts won’t last forever. Don’t wait too long - head over to Kinguin Spring Sale now and shop like the KING you are! 👑
Read moreSpring is here! The days are getting longer, the air smells fresh, and nature is waking up. It’s the perfect time to dive into games that capture that warm, cozy, and refreshing springtime feeling. Whether you want to grow a garden, explore beautiful landscapes, or just relax with some wholesome adventures, these games will bring the magic of spring straight to your screen!Stardew Valley 🌾Nothing says spring like planting your first crops and watching them grow! In Stardew Valley, you can build the farm of your dreams, befriend adorable villagers, and take in the peaceful beauty of nature. There’s something special about waking up to birds chirping, picking fresh strawberries, and feeling the seasons change around you.A Short Hike 🏞️Spring is all about adventure, and A Short Hike captures that perfectly. You play as a little bird exploring a peaceful island full of hidden treasures, friendly animals, and stunning views. It’s a game that encourages you to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy the simple joys of wandering through nature.Animal Crossing: New Horizons 🌼If real-life spring cleaning sounds like too much work, why not do it in Animal Crossing instead? Shake off the winter blues by decorating your island, planting colorful flowers, and enjoying seasonal events like Bunny Day. With cherry blossoms drifting through the air, it’s the perfect virtual spring getaway.Unpacking 📦Spring is all about new beginnings, and Unpacking is the most relaxing way to experience that. This beautifully simple game lets you unpack boxes and organize a cozy living space while telling a touching story through objects. It’s satisfying, calming, and has that wonderful feeling of starting fresh.The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 🌿Spring is all about nature coming back to life, and there’s no better game to capture that feeling than Breath of the Wild. From rolling green hills to blooming wildflowers, this game’s open world is full of breathtaking sights that make every adventure feel like a peaceful spring morning.Disney Dreamlight Valley ✨Spring is all about color, warmth, and happiness, and that’s exactly what Disney Dreamlight Valley offers. You can garden, cook fresh meals, and decorate your village with bright, cheerful designs. Plus, who wouldn’t want to spend springtime hanging out with Disney characters?Flower 💐If you want a game that feels like spring, Flower is a must-play. You control the wind, guiding flower petals through stunning fields and landscapes, spreading beauty everywhere you go. It’s simple, peaceful, and the perfect way to relax and enjoy the season.Pikmin 4 🍃Spring is full of new life, and Pikmin 4 lets you experience the season from a whole new perspective. Lead your adorable Pikmin through lush gardens, solve puzzles, and discover the beauty of the tiny world around you. It’s cute, colorful, and bursting with spring energy!Alba: A Wildlife Adventure 🐦Spring is all about reconnecting with nature, and Alba: A Wildlife Adventure lets you do just that. You play as a young girl exploring a beautiful Mediterranean island, rescuing animals, and helping the environment. It’s wholesome, heartwarming, and filled with that fresh, hopeful energy of springtime.Cozy Grove 🌷Cozy Grove brings a charming mix of warmth and mystery, perfect for those slow spring days. As a Spirit Scout, you help friendly ghosts bring color back to their island, watching as the world around you blooms into life. It’s like taking a peaceful camping trip - full of surprises but always comforting.Let the Springtime Gaming Begin! 🌞Spring is a season of renewal, warmth, and new adventures, and these games capture that feeling perfectly. Whether you’re planting crops, exploring nature, or just soaking in the cozy vibes, there’s something here for everyone.
Read moreGamescom 2024 has just finished, and wow, what a show! This year’s event was bursting with big reveals, exciting trailers, and plenty of surprises. Whether you’re into epic RPGs, intense shooters, or quirky indie games, there was something for everyone. Let’s dive into the biggest announcements and the most buzzworthy moments from this year’s Gamescom. 🐟🐟🐟 Don’t forget to check out Kinguin’s Market with fresh deals & news from the Gamescom 2024. 🐟🐟🐟 Major Game RevealsCivilization VII: One of the big showstoppers at Gamescom was Civilization VII. The teaser was brief but got strategy fans excited, teasing deeper gameplay and bigger worlds to explore. The game is set for release on February 11, 2025, and it's already shaping up to be a must-play for fans of the series.Check out Civilization series here. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: If you’re a fan of shooters, then you were probably thrilled to see more of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Set during the Cold War era, the game promises a return to a full campaign mode, which fans have been eagerly awaiting. The release date is October 25, 2024, so get ready to gear up. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Microsoft gave us a new look at Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The short trailer was enough to remind everyone why they’re excited about this game, which is set to launch in December 2024. Get ready for another adventure with everyone's favorite archaeologist! Mafia: The Old Country: The Mafia series is making a comeback with Mafia: The Old Country. Set in the early 1900s, this prequel takes us back to the origins of the mafia. The announcement didn’t give much away, but it’s clear that this game is going to be a deep dive into the gritty world of organized crime. Starfield - Shattered Space Expansion: Bethesda didn’t disappoint, revealing the first major expansion for Starfield, titled "Shattered Space." Set to launch on September 30, 2024, this expansion will introduce new storylines and locations, expanding the already massive universe of Starfield. Marvel Rivals: Marvel Rivals was another big reveal. This free-to-play multiplayer shooter features iconic characters like Captain America and Dr. Doom. The game is set to launch on December 6, 2024, and promises to be a hit with Marvel fans. Dune: Awakening: Fans of the Dune series got a treat with a new trailer for Dune: Awakening. The game’s survival elements and harsh desert environment were front and center, showing just how challenging life on Arrakis will be. Expect to see this game in early 2025. Batman: Arkham Shadow VR: For Batman fans, the announcement of Batman: Arkham Shadow VR was a highlight. This Meta Quest 3-exclusive VR game lets players step into the boots of Batman in a whole new way, with the demo receiving positive feedback at the event. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 made waves with its first gameplay trailer, showing off the medieval world and complex story that made the original game a hit. The game is set to launch on February 11, 2025, promising more of the same challenging, realistic gameplay.Check out Kingdom Come: Deliverance here.Surprise Announcements and Fun Moments Dying Light: The Beast: Techland unveiled Dying Light: The Beast, a new standalone game in the Dying Light universe. The game stars Kyle Crane, who now wields zombie powers in a bleak, post-apocalyptic world. No release date yet, but the first look has already intrigued fans. Goat Simulator Remastered: Yep, you read that right. The original Goat Simulator is getting a remaster. Expect upgraded visuals, bug fixes, and all the original DLC in one chaotic package, set to release later this year. Borderlands 4: The event kicked off with a bang thanks to the reveal of Borderlands 4. The game is set to launch in 2025, and while details are still under wraps, the trailer alone has fans counting down the days. Masters of Albion: Peter Molyneux, the creator of Fable, surprised everyone with the announcement of Masters of Albion. This new god game has players eager to see if it can live up to Molyneux’s previous successes. Secret Level Anthology: Amazon MGM Studios and Blur Studio are teaming up for a new animated anthology called Secret Level, which dives into the world of video games. This was one of the more unexpected but exciting announcements of the event. Gamescom 2024 was packed with exciting reveals, from long-awaited sequels to surprising new titles. Whether you’re into strategy, shooters, or horror, there’s something coming your way that’s sure to grab your attention. With so many big games on the horizon, the next few years in gaming are looking pretty epic. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as these games get closer to release!
Read moreJenna Ortega is back on the set of Wednesday! The Netflix hit series will return for its second season in 2025, but the cast and crew have already heard: sound, camera, action somewhere on location in Ireland.Wednesday 2 CastCatherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán reprise their roles as Morticia and Gomez Addams, Fred Armisen will have more appearances as Uncle Fester and to complete the Addams Family we shall see Victor Dorobantu as Thing… Well, at least the “handy” part of him. Emma Myers (Enid Sinclair), Joy Sunday (Bianca Barclay) and Moosa Mostafa (Eugene) are back on the set as well and they will be joined by some new – yet well known – faces like: Thandiwe Newton, Joanna Lumley, Christopher Lloyd, Steve Buscemi, Haley Joel Osment, Billie Piper, Heather Matarazzo and Evie Templeton (whom you may know from Return to Silent Hill).Wednesday: Season 2 | Cast Reveal | NetflixThe Legend Is Back To Direct AgainLegendary director Tim Burton continues his journey with Wednesday in the series’ second season, which we believe is a guarantee that our expectations can be very high. Burton is responsible for 1989’s Batman with Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson and Kim Basinger, Batman Returns (1992), Beetlejuice (1988), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Sleepy Hollow (1999) and Alice In Wonderland (2010), among others.Wednesday’s JamAs for now it is not known what musical surprises are going to make us move our hands, feet and the rest of our bodies in Wednesday season 2, but before we find out, let’s relive that famous dancing scene from the first season, which made The Cramps hip again all over platforms such as Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, YouTube, and Apple Music.Wednesday Addams | Dance Scene | NetflixCheck out all the awesome series and movies Netflix has to offer with the best online Netflix deals only on Kinguin!
Read moreFirst and foremost he is a computer games enthusiast and streamer. Dawid Rzeźnik, better known as Dzinold, is one of Kinguin's Ambassadors and, as he describes himself, a Renaissance man. Outside virtual reality, he is a big fan of the NBA and anything connected with basketball. Of course he plays basketball himself and he even is a friend of a famous Polish player Marcin Gortat. Apart from that, Dzinold has also experience as a Fame MMA fighter.MrDzinold @ TwitchDawid was born in 1997 in the city of Tarnobrzeg in Poland. In 2020 he launched his channel on Twitch.TV and within the next two years attracted nearly 200K followers, becoming one of the most popular streamers on the platform. Two years later @MrDzinold is followed by 573K viewers, who appreciate his unique sense of humor and down-to-earth approach. His favourite games include: CS:GO, GTA 5, Fortnite, Fall Guys and FIFA – and as he plays during his Twitch streams, he is usually watched by around five thousand people at once. On Twitch.TV Dzinold is also a member of a YFL team, which features Young Multi, Merghani, Mork and Bandura.BungeeTogether with his Twitch pal Bandura, Dzinold created a YouTube channel called Bungee (@bungee5125), where they entertain their viewers with unusual and funny tasks they assign to themselves. Over 1,15 million followers seem to confirm their success also on this platform. In addition to that Dzinold has his solo YT project – @dzinishoty4934 with 83,3 thousand followers. You can also check him on Instagram (@mrdzinold), where he gives over 741 thousand fans more access to his private life.Fame MMAAs Dzinold conquered Twitch in 2022, he also made his debut on the Polish edition of Fame MMA and won the very first fight against Szymon Bessser. In May 2023 he repeated this success by defeating Robert Pasut, and thus became a rising star in Fame MMA with a promising undefeated record of 2-0.KinguinMuch as we appreciate Dzinold's achievements on Twitch, YouTube and in Fame MMA, it's his personality, sense of humor and most of all positive energy that made him and Kinguin a perfect match! And let's not forget about his love of Counter Strike, which – and that's no secret – is also close to our hearts. We are very happy he accepted our invitation to represent Kinguin as an official Ambassador and to spread positive vibes both him and us want to share with you! Find out more about Dzinold:https://anarchia.gg/https://www.tiktok.com/@anarchia_x_bungeehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087467033102
Read moreThe world is constantly evolving. The same can be said for technology, which brings new solutions every day. Sometimes better, sometimes worse, but there is no stagnation, like during the covid-19 pandemic. This development also applies to ourselves. Nowadays, we focus on convenience, and this is largely important to us. Also in terms of payments. How does today's market look like in terms of financing methods for products in the technology, gaming and lifestyle sectors? Kinguin always meets the expectations of its customers, that's why you will find here all forms of payment for the games or software you are interested in, the way you like it, the way it is convenient for you and above all, safe.Kinguin is a sales platform that offers not only the latest game titles, but also many software and digital licenses that you use every day. Since its inception in 2013, it has been a place created primarily out of passion for a wide range of software. Over time, Kinguin has changed and today we can say with full responsibility that not only will you find unbeatable prices here, but also a fully secure transaction system that you can choose according to your preferences. By observing our platform, we know what our customers choose most often when choosing a payment method.PayPal has been leading the way for many years.It can be safely said that PayPal dominates on Kinguin.net. Our platform records 55% of all transactions with it. Why is that? Certainly because of its ease of use. This method works basically like an online wallet. We can keep savings in it, funds to settle small payments, or recurring subscription fees. A huge advantage that Kinguin customers are guided by is the fact that PayPal is completely free. What's more? The user-friendly interface and intuitive design make PayPal a favorite for online payments. Its speed, simplicity, and ease of use are widely praised. Additionally, the method is very well secured and available in most countries around the world. For payments for games, licenses or work software - a quick and good solution. The only requirements that we have to meet are to reach the age of majority and, of course, to deposit money into our account in order to be able to use it without any problems.Pay With A Credit Card While we've focused on newer payment technologies, some prefer the traditional route of credit, debit, and prepaid cards via Visa and Mastercard. According to Kinguin statistics, these methods account for 18% of all transactions. The most popular cards we use all over the world are still American Express, Mastercard, and Visa. According to 2023 statistics, Visa dominates in this area. This is the card we pay with in 123 countries. What's next? American Express is in second place in this ranking. This card is the most popular in 23 countries. Of course, in the USA and also in Great Britain. The last place belongs to Mastercard. The result is really impressive, because the popularity of this card reaches 22 countries. For example, Mastercard is a monopoly in Canada and Australia.How does it look around the world?It is said that every country has its own customs, so let's take a look at what dominates Kinguin in terms of payment methods and security by region. There's no denying that the aforementioned PayPal is a monopolist in this area, but not everyone uses the same solution. Nevertheless, the biggest players using PayPal are North America, Africa, Australia and Oceania. What's next?For example, in Poland, the Blik payment method has become the most popular. It works very quickly and can be said to replace traditional bank transfers, as payments are made directly from registered phone numbers to a given bank account. All you need is a code that appears in the mobile application of a Polish bank. A local solution, but quite groundbreaking, and recognized worldwide as innovative.Not far from Poland, in Belgium, for example, Bancontact Mister Cash is used, which works very similarly to the Polish Blik. When shopping online, you select the "Bancontact" option. You enter your login details, authorize and that's it. Simple and secure, because it is fully authorized by us.One of the most popular payment methods in Germany is Klarna, as those users still prefer to connect and pay via local banks. An interesting fact is that Klarna gives consumers a lot of leeway. This payment method allows you to pay for a product up to 30 days after purchase. This means that after receiving the package, you can carefully check if everything is correct. The payment deadline can be extended. In some cases, it is also completely free.In the Netherlands, residents choose IDEAL. This is no surprise, as it works almost identically to the Belgian Mister Cash or the Polish Blik. All of these methods have their own security features in the form of authorization.Staying in Europe, let's talk about a country where tapas can be found on every street corner, which is Spain. In this country, the most popular payment method is PaySafeCard. How does it work? Essentially, you can summarize it by saying it's a prepaid card. You top up the card with a certain amount of money and can then use it for various online transactions, including on the Kinguin marketplace. It's akin to topping up a mobile phone. It works almost identically. The key thing to remember is that the card will only work for the specific prepaid amount loaded onto it. For example, if you have loaded the card with 50$, you cannot purchase something priced at 51$.Asia, on the other hand, assumes that WeChat Pay is the best option for them. Interestingly, WeChat is a messenger, but it is so developed that it also offers a payment method. This solution is based on scanning a QR code and then authorizing the payment to the seller.Traveling further around the world, we can come across a payment called PIX. It is the best-known payment method in Brazil. How does it work? It is an instant payment. Security matters are managed by the Central Bank of Brazil. It is the monetary authority that has full control over this issue. This has reduced the number of cash transactions. The offer quickly became a popular alternative for Brazilians. Interestingly, the idea itself has only been around there for a short time, since November 2020.Interesting fact: some mobile operators also offer mobile payments. For example, we can buy a game on Kinguin and the amount of the purchased title can be paid in the form of payment at the next billing period. The amount will be added to the invoice, users can enjoy very similar experience on repayment like credit cardsChoice is power. You should feel comfortable, and Kinguin ensures that!Kinguin offers you a wide range of payment methods. Our services are already used by over 18 million users, which makes us very happy! We prioritize your comfort and security. We are flexible and ready to help you choose the best option for you. You can choose from nearly 200 payment methods. Our marketplace offers a huge range of digital programs and games. How does it work? What is the distribution of codes on Kinguin? You will find all the answers in our latest article.Summary Bringing it all together, technology is developing at an incredible pace, and we need to be ready for new solutions. Trade has also changed. It has moved online, and payments for digital products leave many questions, but also many possibilities. Kinguin offers a lot of payment options that will be in line with your region, but also with your preferences. We are committed to ensuring that everyone who shops on Kinguin is satisfied and feels good. Most importantly, we do not limit you based on where you are from. We come to you so that you can enjoy a new game, software or license every day. Jump on the Kinguin platform and let's create a cool community together!
Read moreLast year we celebrated our first decade with you, and what a decade it was! Now we have another wonderful reason to celebrate – this time it is the newest milestone in our history, namely the number of Kingun's registered users reaching 18 million. And when we say OUR we mean both YOU and us. Quoting U2 and Janet Jackson: it's all because of you and it's all for you!Dear UsersFirst and foremost, we want to thank you for choosing us and staying with Kinguin's community. Your presence motivates us to work harder in order to provide you with the best offer you can find surfing the Internet ocean. Your trust means the world to us and so, we want to give back to you even more!Safe And Sound At KinguinWe are perfectly aware that the Internet is not always safe and friendly, that is why we make sure that Kinguin is your online safe haven, where you can get what you need not only at the best prices but also without worrying about the safety of the transaction. It remains one of our highest priorities, so you can simply focus on what to choose from Kinguin's 100 thousand available products and 250 thousand offers.We Are The WorldAppealing to the global community of gamers and general software users makes us very proud. 70% of you come from Europe, with Germany constituting 16% of the user base on the Old Continent. 18% of you live in the USA and Canada and 5% in South America.More StatisticsWe work our best to assure a varied offer for all age groups, and it strikes a chord mostly with users below 24 years old, who constitute 44% of Kinguin's community. Respectively, 27% of you are between 25 and 34 while the remaining 29% belong to the 35+ category. Language-wise 36% of you prefer English, 16% – German and 12% – Polish. We are also very happy and proud that the percentage of our female users is constantly growing, and girls currently constitute more than 20% of our community.So Far, So GoodOver the course of the last 11 years we have been engaged in numerous exciting projects like: esport Team Kinguin, Esports Performance Center, Kinguin Esports Lounge, Kinguin Cares, NFT marketplace in cooperation with Immutable X, Kinguin Legends tournament just to name a few. These endeavors were mostly our expression of gratitude, aimed at giving back to our community.It is good to look back and appreciate what has been accomplished, however, we are most excited about what is ahead of us! The next project that has a very special place in our hearts is called Sneak Out and it is Kinguin's first original game that we are going to release in June 2024. There is much more, so let's continue this fascinating journey to explore even more games as well as software and discover what Kinguin is going to surprise you with in the future. Cheers!
Read moreWarsaw, Poland – 04.04.2024 - Kinguin, a leading name in the esports industry, announces the closure of activities at the Kinguin Esports Performance Center (EPC) located in Warsaw. Effective May 2024, operations at the EPC will come to a halt due to the conclusion of the lease agreement with our current partner and the relocation of Kinguin's Warsaw office.Since its grand opening in 2019, the Kinguin Esports Performance Center has established itself as a leading facility in the esports community. Hosting over 300 bootcamps since inception, including 115 in 2023 alone, the center has consistently provided invaluable training opportunities to teams from across the globe.Join our CEO and Kinguin founder in a heartfelt video on YouTube: Welcoming the EliteThe EPC has proudly welcomed some of the biggest names in esports, including Natus Vincere, Imperial, FaZe Clan, Fnatic, MIBR, TSM, Complexity, MOUZ, Team Secret, Tundra Esports, OG, beastcoast, Monte, 9INE, Nigma Galaxy, B8, Betclic Apogee, NOM Esports, Acend, Falcons, Grayhound, FURIA, M80, Bad News Eagles, Nouns, Team 500, Passion UA, Into The Breach, and the Polish eFUTBOL team under the Polish Football Association.Supporting Ukrainian TalentAdditionally, it's worth noting that the Kinguin Esports Performance Center has been open free of charge for any Ukrainian pro-players and their families. In 2022, we hosted over 30 people from Ukraine, providing them with access to top-notch facilities and resources to enhance their skills and opportunities in the esports realm.A Commitment to the Future“While we are halting activities at the Warsaw center, we are committed to supporting esports not only in our region but globally. Our dedication to the growth and development of esports remains unwavering, and we are actively seeking new opportunities to continue this mission. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the players, partners, and supporters who have contributed to the success of the Kinguin Esports Performance Center in Warsaw. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to stay connected with us for future updates.” said Viktor Romaniuk, founder of Kinguin Esports Performance Center. For further inquiries or information, please contact epc@kinguin.net.Let's stay in touch.
Read moreIn times when it's easy to get hustled, everyone has probably asked themselves the question posed in the title. Gaming is an industry that's developing real quick, but unfortunately there's no shortage of scammers in this area either. We'll always repeat "Use a trusted source." Is Kinguin safe? In this text, we'll answer this question, showing how much we value the safety of players.What is Kinguin? Get to know us better!Kinguin is a global gaming hub where anyone can buy and sell! Vendors from all over the world can join Kinguin to feature their items, which you, your folks, or your buddies can buy. We say this because our services are already used by 17 million customers around the world. Kinguin works very similarly to well-known platforms like eBay or Amazon. Distributors also list their products there. You don't have to worry about the origin. Kinguin constantly verifies sellers with the well-being of gamers in mind.How do we verify distributors?We know security and trust are your top priorities. That's why every seller who wants to sling games on Kinguin has to jump through a vetting process. We dig deep – documents, company history, customer reviews. We only give the green light to sellers who pass with flying colors. We make sure our sellers in every country play by the rules, following all the regulations for game distribution and taxes. We stay on top of the latest laws and adapt to any changes to keep things smooth and secure for you.What are the keys that you buy?These are digital products that distributors purchase in bulk from publishers and developers. By doing so, they negotiate prices, which allow you to buy keys much cheaper on Kinguin. If you would like to fully understand the distribution process of game keys, read our article about it. What are people saying about us?We have a really good reputation online. Trustpilot, an open review platform, has awarded Kinguin a rating of 4.1/5, based on nearly 60,000 reviews. We are delighted that we can boast such a high level of trust! In comparison, eBay has a rating of just 1.3/5 on the same platform. Kinguin has also been featured in independent industry publications such as Citizens Journal, All Tech Buzz and SoftoCoupon. Each of these publications emphasizes that Kinguin is a safe source from which to buy games without any worries. Why isn't my Kinguin key working?Key not working? No problem! Double-check the code first. If it's still giving you trouble, our customer service team is just a click away on our website. They'll be happy to help! Do this through the official Kinguin website. We will thoroughly investigate the matter and get back to you shortly. Your code will be exchanged for a new one or we will refund the full amount you spent. We are talking about this because we want to be completely open. We have no secrets. The situation described above is actually an extremely rare case. The purchase of our products that do not work is only 0.4% of all transactions in 2022.We work with your gaming heroes!Kinguin is not just made by gamers, for gamers. We're also proud to partner with a variety of influencers who share our passion for quality service, professional customer support, and affordable games. Our gaming influencer ambassadors include Edizderbreite, GamingGuidesDE, Dzinold, Simurgh, HeatoN, Blue and Queenie. Be sure to check out the streams and social media channels of our ambassadors, as they often have discount codes for games that you can use on Kinguin!Any questions?Kinguin support is just a click away! Say hello to Milo, our helpful ChatBot, which can be found on the bottom of our website - www.kinguin.net. Whether you have a quick question or a complex problem, Milo can help. He'll either answer you directly or get you connected with the right agent to solve your issue. Don't be shy - we're here to make your Kinguin experience awesome!So is Kinguin a safe place to buy digital keys?Enter the world of Kinguin, where unforgettable gaming adventures await you! You will find games for every budget and platform, all in a safe and friendly environment. Join a community of over 17 million players and discover new dimensions of entertainment! We don't mess around with your privacy – legal protections are our middle name. Plus, glowing reviews from gaming giants and the press keep us fueled to constantly improve your experience. Encountered a problem with Kinguin? Our dedicated customer support team is your trusty companion, always ready to lend a hand. We want your gaming journey to be smooth sailing, so don't hesitate to call for backup! So the answer is Yes, Kinguin is a safe place to buy digital products. We deliver a secure marketplace with unbeatable prices, all backed by a team that champions you. So, why wait? Join the millions of gamers who've chosen Kinguin as their ultimate gaming ally!
Read moreIn the dynamic landscape of online gaming, where transactions happen at lightning speed, combating fraud can be a significant challenge. However, Kinguin, a leading digital marketplace for gamers, has emerged as a pioneer in fraud prevention, boasting one of the lowest fraud rates in the industry. We sat down with Egemen Ertop, Head of Risk & Fraud Intelligence at Kinguin, to delve into their innovative strategies and remarkable success story.Overview of Kinguin's ApproachEgemen reveals that Kinguin has undergone a transformative shift in its approach to fraud detection and risk intelligence over the past two years. Moving away from reactive, rule-based methods, they've embraced behavior-based strategies, automation, and machine learning. Every decision is data-driven, minimizing customer friction while maximizing the effectiveness of manual reviews.Strategies and TechnologiesKinguin's success is not accidental. Egemen highlights the focus on optimizing existing tools and operations without incurring additional costs. Despite a surge in industry-wide fraud, Kinguin has significantly lowered fraud rate by a staggering 87% since mid-2022, a testament to proactive measures and cutting-edge technologies. Remaining alert to changing fraud trends is crucial. Egemen emphasizes Kinguin's proactive stance and the importance of seamless communication within the team to stay one step ahead of fraudsters.Role of Data Analysis and Machine Learning in User ExperienceData analysis and machine learning are fundamental to Kinguin's fraud prevention efforts. Egemen stresses the importance of verifying hypotheses and leveraging AI to handle the bulk of traffic, allowing experts to focus on critical decision-making.Kinguin adopts a customer-centric approach, minimizing friction unless there's substantial evidence of fraudulent activity. This mindset shift, albeit challenging, has proven effective in maintaining a seamless user experience.Collaboration and CommunicationEffective collaboration with industry partners, regulatory bodies, and payment service providers is pivotal in enhancing fraud prevention practices. Egemen underscores the significance of constant communication and transparency. Kinguin has been partnering with Ravelin since 2020. However, initial optimization issues and a lack of focus on future vision hindered the tool's performance. Upon assuming leadership of the team in 2022, Egemen prioritized optimizing the tool, recognizing its potential despite underutilization. After several months of dedicated effort, significant improvements were achieved. This success underscores the collaborative effort between Kinguin and its partners, demonstrating the proactive approach taken to enhance fraud prevention measures. Additionally, Kinguin emphasizes automation, particularly in ID verification processes, to streamline customer experience and minimize friction.Educating UsersWhile Kinguin prioritizes customer awareness, Egemen acknowledges the industry-wide lack of fraud education. Despite proactive measures, there's still much ground to cover in raising awareness among customers and stakeholders. In terms of educating users about potential fraud risks and best practices for safe transactions, Kinguin takes a multifaceted approach. While actively engaging in various conferences and webinars about fraud, Egemen and his team ensure that they share valuable insights and knowledge gained from their experiences. For instance, Egemen recently participated in RavCon 24, an event organized by Ravelin in London, where he shared his expertise with industry leaders. This commitment to knowledge sharing not only enhances awareness within the gaming community but also fosters collaboration and exchange of best practices among industry stakeholders. Additionally, within the Kinguin platform, users receive timely notifications and updates regarding any fraudulent activities, empowering them to make informed decisions and stay vigilant against potential risks. Despite these efforts, there remains a recognition within Kinguin of the need for broader industry-wide education and awareness initiatives to combat fraud effectively.Overcoming Challenges and Future innovationsEgemen reflects on the cultural shift within Kinguin, emphasizing the need for adaptability and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Mindset change was pivotal in aligning the team with the company's evolving standards and expectations.Looking ahead, Kinguin aims to streamline operations through automation and AI, empowering experts to focus on strategic decision-making. Egemen envisions a future where manual interventions are minimized, maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.SummaryIn conclusion, Kinguin's journey shows a significant shift in fraud prevention, blending cutting-edge technology with a customer-centric approach. Egemen's insights shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and future aspirations of a company at the forefront of innovation in the gaming industry. As they continue to push boundaries and redefine standards, Kinguin sets a shining example for others to follow in the ongoing battle against fraud.
Read moreIn the ever-changing world of digital business, data holds the key to success. Mariusz Jagodziński, the Head of Data & Analytics at Kinguin, leads a dedicated team driving innovation through numbers. In a candid interview, Mariusz shares insights into their journey, projects, and the role of data in shaping Kinguin's future. A Journey of Growth and InnovationMariusz's journey with Kinguin started nearly three years ago, marking the inception of a visionary era in data-driven decision-making. Mariusz reflects on the evolution of Kinguin's Data & Analytics team, described as "small but deadly" for its significant impact on the company's growth.Comprising nine dedicated members with diverse expertise, including Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Business Intelligence Analysts, Web Analytics Specialists, and Conversation Designers, the team collaborates seamlessly managing data integration, transformation, and visualization. Powered by Python, SQL, JavaScript, and Looker Business Intelligence system, they navigate the landscape of internal and external data sources, weaving insights that drive Kinguin's strategic initiatives.Taking Pride in Progress: Creating Solutions that MatterWhen asked about what makes him most proud, Mariusz's focus turns to the important work of harmonization and innovation. He emphasizes the significance of making sure everyone in different departments uses the same terms and measures success in the same way. This helps Kinguin to create models that forecast the effect of particular sales strategies on critical processes, for instance cash flow, EBITDA and reserve investments. But what really excites Mariusz is building cash flow forecasting models using machine learning. These advanced models, which consider external factors, and can adapt to change, help Kinguin manage its finances with accuracy.Using Data for GrowthIn the ever-changing world of ecommerce, data and analytics are like engines driving innovation and resilience. Mariusz explains how Kinguin strategically uses advanced analytics and machine learning to gain insights and create personalized experiences for users. Whether it's cleaning up data or predicting future trends, these tools help Kinguin understand what users want and how the market is changing. A significant opportunity and challenge is the connection of user behavioral data with sales. Learning about the user journeys both within and outside of Kinguin opens opportunities for offering better, more personalized products. However, this task presents significant challenges: we’re talking about predictive models that estimate the effects of customer journey transformations on sales.Ethics and Integrity: Keeping Data SafeIn today's digital age, protecting customer data is essential. Mariusz emphasizes Kinguin's strong commitment to keeping data private and secure. With special teams focused on detecting fraud and making sure Kinguin follows the rules, the company works hard to keep customer information safe while still finding new ways to innovate.Global Presence, Local Understanding: Tailoring Experiences for All UsersKinguin operates in a global marketplace, but it understands that different regions have different preferences. Through careful research and flexible strategies, Kinguin creates experiences that resonate with users around the world, making everyone feel welcome and included.Personalized Recommendations: Making Each Experience UniqueIn a world where personalization is key, Kinguin uses data analytics to give each user a tailored experience. Whether it's recommending games or suggesting payment methods, Kinguin uses insights from data to make interactions smooth and enjoyable for every user. With the use of Google Recommendations AI Kinguin anticipates customer tastes, thus saving time by presenting products which are nearest to their interests at the initial stage. Another instance of our analytics usage is the adaptive choice and placement of payment methods in connection with customer profiles and geography. With nearly 200 payment options available at Kinguin it is crucial for the users to find the most suitable one quickly and easily. Staying Ahead of the Game: Embracing ChangeAs the gaming industry evolves, Kinguin's data and analytics team stays on top of the latest trends. The introduction of AI-based solutions should not become an automatic goal. In our analytics team, we have come to discover that sometimes traditional statistical methods serve better. The secret to being competitive lies in the balance between embracing valuable trends ahead of time and avoiding risks associated with outdated solutions. By working together across departments and embracing new technologies, Kinguin adapts to change quickly, staying competitive in the global market.Working Together for SuccessCollaboration is at the heart of Kinguin's success. Mariusz shares stories of teams from different departments coming together to find new ways to use data. The critical component of success is the unification and language—one important step towards defining common objectives in cross-team collaboration. Through teamwork and automation, Kinguin empowers its employees to use data to improve advertising, personalize products, and optimize prices, all to give users the best experience possible.In Kinguin's story, data isn't just a tool—it's a guiding light, leading the way to innovation, empowerment, and unforgettable gaming experiences. As Mariusz and his team continue to explore new possibilities, the legacy of data-driven excellence shines brighter than ever, shaping the future of gaming one insight at a time.
Read moreAs we look back on 2023, we are filled with pride and excitement for the milestones we have achieved. This year marked our 10th anniversary, and we celebrated this momentous occasion by introducing a host of innovative features and expanding our reach to millions of gamers around the world.Business GrowthKinguin's remarkable growth in 2023 was evident across all key metrics. We experienced a substantial 23% increase in total orders compared to 2022, demonstrating the heightened demand for our services and the expanding reach of our platform. Our revenue soared by an impressive 35%, reflecting the growing value we provide to gamers worldwide. Additionally, our Gross profit surged by 21%, highlighting our efficient operations and ability to generate sustainable profitability. 17 Million Registered AccountsOur commitment to providing gamers with the best possible digital goods has resulted in a remarkable growth in our user base. We reached a staggering 17 million registered accounts in 2023, solidifying our position as a leading digital marketplace for gamers. Open Banking PaymentsWe made a significant step towards a more secure and convenient payment experience by introducing Open Banking payments, with the inclusion of over 500 banks through our checkout process. This innovative technology allows users to securely share their financial information, like banking transactions and account details, with other authorised organisations through digital channels.Kinguin EPC BootcampsWe empowered aspiring esports professionals by hosting 115 bootcamps and 8 big events at our Kinguin Esports Performance Center (EPC). These intensive training sessions provided aspiring gamers with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the competitive esports landscape.Google Based Digital Transformation EventTogether with our partner, Google, we organized a technological event called Kinguin&Friends: Google Based Digital Transformation, showcasing our dedication to adopting cutting-edge technologies that enhance our operations and provide a superior user experience. Kinguin at GamescomWe made our presence felt at Gamescom, the world's largest gaming event, connecting with partners and exploring new business areas. This allowed us to deepen our connections within the gaming industry and pave the way for innovative collaborations.Kinguin Vouchers in Kolporter and CarrefourWe expanded our reach by partnering with Kolporter (Poland) and Carrefour (Romania) to offer Kinguin vouchers. This strategic move enabled us to introduce our products to a wider audience and provide gamers with more convenient ways to purchase digital goods.Sneak Out Demo and Playtest ResultsSneak Out, the first game developed by Kinguin Studios, generated immense excitement among gamers. The demo and playtest garnered very positive community feedback and Steam sessions, exceeding our expectations. With the upcoming release in 2024 we cannot wait to share this remarkable experience with the global gaming community.Guest CheckoutWe enhanced the user experience by introducing Guest Checkout, allowing users to make purchases without creating an account. This feature has streamlined the checkout process and made it more convenient for gamers to access our vast array of digital goods. Record-Breaking Year in Kinguin Esports LoungeOur Kinguin Esports Lounge experienced a record-breaking year, with a surge in attendance and number of events. The lounge has become a hub for gaming enthusiasts, providing them with a unique space to connect, compete, and experience the thrill of gaming firsthand. We concluded the year with the 10th anniversary event held in Kinguin Esports Lounge. Looking Ahead to 2024As we embark on 2024, Kinguin remains steadfast in our commitment to innovation and growth, fueled by our unwavering passion for serving gamers worldwide. We are excited to unveil a series of groundbreaking features that will transform the digital entertainment landscape and solidify our position as the most open and accessible destination for gamers globally.Our vision extends beyond mere transactions; we aspire to create an unparalleled digital entertainment playground where gamers can seamlessly access a vast array of products and services, all while prioritizing security, transparency, and inclusivity. We envision a world where gamers are empowered to express themselves freely, collaborate seamlessly, and experience the thrill of gaming in its purest form.In 2024, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation, exploring cutting-edge technologies and forging strategic partnerships that will revolutionize the gaming experience for our passionate community. Stay tuned as we unveil new and exciting features that will redefine the possibilities of digital entertainment.
Read moreA decade ago, in 2013, the gaming community witnessed the birth of an online marketplace that would revolutionise the way gamers buy and sell their favourite titles. Today, as Kinguin reaches its 10th anniversary milestone, it's time to reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us to this point. From humble beginnings to becoming a global gaming destination, Kinguin has truly etched its mark in the gaming industry. Let's take a trip down memory lane, highlighting key milestones that have shaped Kinguin's success. Along this path, we not only attained the significant milestones but also secured a multitude of smaller yet equally pivotal victories. These smaller triumphs, often overshadowed by grander events, are nonetheless crucial threads woven into the rich tapestry of our growth story. As the years unfold, our achievements persist as vital chapters in the ongoing narrative of our evolution:2013:Launch of Kinguin.netKinguin processed the first 100,000 transactions2014:Kinguin steps into esports with sponsorships of TSM and FnaticKinguin reaches 1,000,000 registered accounts The first Kinguin for charity event2015Team Kinguin (esports team) is createdKinguin introduces Dogecoin as a first crypto payment option2016Kinguin reaches 5,000,000 registered accounts5,000,000th transaction2018Kinguin reaches 7,000,000 registered accounts2019Kinguin Esports Performance Center is opened2020Kinguin Esports Lounge Gdansk is opened2021Kinguin reaches over 10,000,000 registered accountsKinguin launches Kinguin Cares - a charity project for orphanages2022Kinguin launches NFT marketplace in cooperation with Immutable XFirst Kinguin Legends esports tournament202310th anniversary of Kinguin.netKinguin introduces Open Banking paymentsKinguin reaches over 17,000,000 registered accounts Our heartfelt gratitude extends to everyone who has been an integral part of our extraordinary journey, making the celebration of our 10th anniversary a testament to collective efforts and shared achievements from both the present and bygone years. The success of this event resonates harmoniously with its intended purpose, aligning seamlessly with the objectives set forth.As we raise a collective cheer to commemorate the incredible path we've traversed together, we embrace not just the accomplishments behind us but also eagerly anticipate the next chapter that awaits. Here's to the unwritten pages of our future, where we are poised to embrace new challenges, set ambitious goals, and embark on journeys that will undoubtedly unveil many more milestones on the horizon.
Read moreKinguin, the leading digital marketplace for gamers, proudly announces a colossal milestone: 17 million registered users on the platform! This achievement is not only a testament to our thriving community but also marks a decade of redefining the gaming experience. Kinguin is celebrating its impressive 10-year anniversary!Since the beginning of 2023, Kinguin has experienced substantial growth, with over 70% of our users hailing from the diverse gaming communities of Europe. Germany leads the way, contributing a significant 16% to our ever-expanding user base. Following closely is the entirety of North America, accounting for 18%, with the United States claiming a commendable 14%. South America secures its spot as the third continent in terms of user distribution, with 5% of all Kinguin users."In the past five years, Kinguin has experienced phenomenal growth, boasting an astonishing 105% increase in registered users. I remember when back in 2019, we were celebrating 8 million users, and now reaching 17 million is something truly amazing! Our journey has been fueled by the unwavering trust and dedication of our incredible community. Thank you for being a part of this incredible ride," says Viktor Romaniuk, Founder and CEO at Kinguin.Age Breakdown:Diversity remains at the core of the Kinguin community, as evidenced by our age breakdown. Users below 24 years old constitute a whopping 44% of our platform, showcasing our broad appeal across generations. The age group of 25-34 comprises 27%, while 35-44 and 45+ make up 14% and 15%, respectively. This varied age distribution underscores Kinguin's commitment to catering to gamers of all ages and preferences.Language Preferences:Our users embody a diverse linguistic palette, and language selection on Kinguin mirrors this global diversity. English stands out as the most widely chosen language, with 36% of users opting for it. German secures the second spot with 16%, closely followed by Polish, chosen by 12% of our community. This linguistic variety enhances the accessibility and inclusivity of Kinguin for users worldwide.Gender Representation:Breaking stereotypes in the gaming world, Kinguin is pleased to note a significant increase in female users. Since the beginning of the year, 22% of our users are female, highlighting the expanding and inclusive nature of our platform. We are committed to fostering a gaming environment that welcomes and celebrates all gamers, regardless of gender.As if that's not exciting enough, this year marks the 10th anniversary of Kinguin! A decade of growth, innovation, and, most importantly, incredible gaming experiences shared with you, our dedicated community. The journey to 17 million users is a testament to the trust and support you've placed in us over the years. We're not just celebrating numbers; we're celebrating a decade of shaping the gaming landscape.Here's to a decade of gaming excellence and many more adventures to come!
Read moreIn a rapidly evolving digital marketplace, e-commerce platforms continually seek innovative ways to streamline the purchasing process and enhance the overall user experience. Kinguin, a leading online video game marketplace, recently introduced a significant feature aimed at simplifying the buying journey for its users: Guest Checkout. In this article, we will explore the motivations behind the implementation of Guest Checkout, the technological changes that accompanied it, and the impact it has had on Kinguin's platform.Kinguin's introduction of the Guest Checkout feature was driven by several key factors. The primary goal was to provide a fast and hassle-free path for users who preferred not to register but still wanted to make swift purchases with minimal effort. By offering this option, Kinguin acknowledged the diverse preferences of its users, recognizing that not everyone desires the full benefits of registered membership. Guest Checkout was also a response to market needs, aligning with the broader trends in online shopping.Technological Changes for Guest CheckoutBefore the implementation of Guest Checkout, Kinguin's system primarily served fully registered users, with authorization and transactions dependent on unique user IDs. We had to restructure our services to accommodate anonymous customers, who did not provide detailed personal data while ensuring that all functionalities remained intact, transactions were processed correctly, and fraud protection remained active.This transformation extended to various aspects of the platform, including order processing, checkout, and customer support systems.Secure Integration and User-Friendly ExperienceThe IT department at Kinguin took a meticulous approach to developing and integrating the Guest Checkout feature into the existing system. Several critical considerations included security measures, user access, email confirmation, product delivery, and fraud protection. Security was paramount, ensuring that customer data and transactions remained safeguarded throughout the process.User Engagement and Conversion RatesThe impact of Guest Checkout on users was notable, as we noticed a 10% increase across all customer acquisition metrics. Users began utilizing the functionality right from the first day, and the feature was initially enabled for selected product configurations. The gradual rollout allowed for optimization based on user feedback. Guest Checkout's adoption was smooth and resulted in increased conversion rates, as it addressed the demand from users who preferred making purchases without creating an account.Strategies for a Seamless User ExperienceTo ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience for customers using Guest Checkout, Kinguin implemented several strategies. These included minimizing the steps required for Guest Checkout, providing a secure dispatch page, and effective communication with users regarding email delivery. Furthermore, changes were made to the checkout interface to accommodate the feature without disrupting the experience for registered users. It's important to note that these strategies were not implemented in a single go but underwent several iterations since the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) phase. Rigorous Testing and Quality AssuranceKinguin invested significant effort in testing and quality assurance before launching Guest Checkout. Extensive testing included:test case development, testing on production environments, A/B tests, UI/UX evaluation, and localization testing.That all played a vital role in ensuring a flawless Guest Checkout experience. The collaboration between QA experts and developers was instrumental in addressing any identified issues.According to Robert Strzecha, Quality Assurance Team Leader: “We undertook a rigorous testing and quality assurance journey to guarantee a flawless Guest Checkout experience for our customers. With 550 carefully crafted test cases, staging environment simulations, and a final stress test in the production environment, we left no stone unturned in our pursuit of perfection. By involving our QA team early in the development process, we were able to identify and address potential issues before they could impact our users. Throughout this process, we worked closely and cooperatively with our developers on a daily basis. This collaboration was instrumental in rapidly identifying and addressing issues, resulting in the successful resolution of only 28 logged bugs.”Lessons Learned and ChallengesOne notable lesson learned during Guest Checkout implementation was the importance of considering existing users' preferences and experience. It was essential to focus on improving the experience for Guest Checkout users without disrupting that of others.Aligning with Kinguin's Long-Term StrategiesGuest Checkout aligns with Kinguin's long-term customer experience and sales growth strategies by removing barriers to purchases and providing a more open and user-centric platform. Kinguin's mission to be the most open digital entertainment playground is enhanced through this feature, ensuring a smooth and barrier-free purchase experience for all users.Future EnhancementsLooking ahead, Kinguin plans to further enhance the Guest Checkout feature by streamlining events passed between services, automating the support process, integrating AI functions for faster customer service, and continually improving the checkout page layout for a more user-friendly and intuitive experience.In conclusion, Kinguin's introduction of Guest Checkout has significantly improved the user experience, aligned with market trends, and demonstrated the platform's commitment to providing a more open and user-friendly marketplace for digital entertainment. The future holds promise as Kinguin continues to innovate and enhance the Guest Checkout feature to benefit its growing user base.
Read moreIn a remarkable milestone, the Kinguin Esports Performance Center in Warsaw marked a historic achievement in 2023 by successfully hosting 100 bootcamps, organized by domestic and foreign teams for games such as CS:GO, FIFA, Dota 2 and VALORANT. This marks a unique milestone in Kinguin EPC's history, contributing significantly to our nation's integration into the global esports community.The year 2023 has undeniably become a pivotal moment in Kinguin EPC's four-year history, emerging as Europe's largest training center for esports players. Esteemed teams from around the globe now gather on this iconic venue to hone their skills in preparation for major tournaments, including the prestigious World Championships. The undeniable charm of the center's unique character and atmosphere has earned it a reputation as one of Europe's premier destinations for organizing bootcamps.Example of a post from one of the teams:https://twitter.com/NeiL_Mcs/status/1710365450951913746 Teams such as Natus Vincere Javelins, Imperial, Complexity, MOUZ, Team Secret, Tundra Esports, OG, beastcoast, Monte, 9INE, Nigma Galaxy, B8, Betclic Apogee, Anonymo, NOM Esports, Acend, Falcons, Grayhound, FURIA, M80, Bad News Eagles, Nouns, Team 500, Passion UA, Into The Breach, and the Polish eFUTBOL team under the Polish Football Association banner were among the notable visitors in 2023.The year witnessed an extensive range of bootcamps, with a primary focus on CS:GO (58 bootcamps), FIFA (14), Dota 2 (7), VALORANT (6), and League of Legends (5). Moreover, the Kinguin EPC hosted teams from lesser-known esports titles, including Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege, Overwatch, and APEX Legends. Notably, women's esports teams in CS:GO, VALORANT, and FIFA also benefited from the center's state-of-the-art facilities.Another example, this time from Poland:https://twitter.com/PolsatGames/status/1710351943623725110 Beyond bootcamps, the Kinguin EPC played host to various events that garnered significant attention within the esports community. Events such as the Polish Halo Community Meeting, Legends Clash: Coca Cola vs. Żabka in League of Legends, and the Polish Splatoon 3 Championships underscored the venue's diverse appeal.Paweł Książek, Head of Kinguin Esports Performance Center, commented on this momentous achievement, stating, "Organizing 100 bootcamps means crossing another boundary in the functioning of Kinguin EPC. More and more teams trust us in the most important moments of their preparations for championship tournaments, coming to Warsaw even several times a year. We are glad that we have become - as the players call it - their second home."Kinguin EPC's legacy continues to thrive in the esports world, building on a rich history and cementing its position as a global esports powerhouse. As it enters its fifth year of operation, the future appears brighter than ever, promising more thrilling developments and collaborations within the ever-evolving esports landscape.
Read moreIn the fast-paced world of e-commerce, adaptation and innovation are the keys to success. The gaming industry, in particular, has seen remarkable growth in recent years, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses operating within it. To gain insights into this evolving landscape, we had the privilege of interviewing Vili Kastrev, Vice President of Sales at Kinguin, a leading player in the gaming e-commerce sector. In this article, we'll explore his professional journey, Kinguin's unique incentive structure, strategies for collaborating across departments, and the essential aspects of success in today's competitive e-commerce environment.Vili Kastrev's journey with Kinguin began on November 1, 2011, a date he now sees as symbolic in the gaming world due to the release of Skyrim. He joined VIWA Entertainment, a startup that later (2013) became Kinguin, as an Online Store Manager. With a lifelong passion for gaming, Vili understood the impatience of gamers awaiting new releases and the importance of a seamless user experience. His early days at Kinguin were marked by managing everything from designing web banners to customer support, giving him a holistic view of the business. This immersion allowed him to understand customer needs and drive the business forward effectively.Expanding InternationallyAs Kinguin's success grew, we expanded into multiple countries, and Vili took on leadership roles in various teams. Transitioning from an individual contributor to a team leader brought its own set of challenges, including selecting the right talent and fostering a supportive environment for collective success.Reflecting on his journey, Vili emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, resilience in the face of challenges, and learning from both successes and failures. He also highlights the significance of leadership in providing support and guidance while shielding the team from unnecessary stress.Evolution of the Gaming IndustryThe gaming industry has evolved significantly over the years. Game publishers' restrictions, increased competition, and changing customer preferences have presented challenges. To adapt and sustain growth, Kinguin diversified its income streams, expanded product offerings, and focused on creativity and innovation. The experience gained over the years has allowed us to make data-driven decisions and anticipate market shifts effectively.The motivation - 'All or Nothing' Challenge In 2020, Kinguin introduced an innovative monthly program linked to the company's performance in Revenue and Gross Profit. What makes this program unique is that each month, Kinguin employees collectively vote to determine the bonus level. Vili Kastrev, a key contributor to this initiative, closely monitors its monthly performance, providing ongoing motivation to all Kinguiners. In Kinguin we understand that everyone has an impact on our business, not only sales teams, that is why the bonus is company-wide. In order to motivate every single Kinguiner we implement 4 major motivational tactics:Constant Communication: We maintain constant contact and close communication. Open and transparent communication fosters a sense of belonging and keeps everyone informed about our progress, challenges, and objectives.Embracing Challenges: We encourage our team not to be afraid of failure. In fact, we believe that if you're not failing occasionally, it may indicate that you're not pushing your limits enough. Failure, though not always enjoyable, often provides the most valuable lessons in the end.Learning from Failure: We emphasize the importance of learning from failures. While celebrating successes is essential, we recognize that failures offer invaluable insights. Even if we don’t achieve a bonus in a given month, we gain knowledge that can help reach our goals in the future.Reflect and Improve: After facing a setback, we encourage our team to take a moment to reflect. We ask questions like: What happened? Was it due to a single factor or multiple factors? Where can we improve? How can we maximize the potential of this opportunity? Are there obstacles, and if we invest more, what would be the expected outcome?The 'All or Nothing' monthly bonus offers Kinguiners the chance to earn a bonus of up to 30% of their base salaries, depending on company performance. This flexible approach enables employees to set ambitious targets in alignment with market dynamics. Beyond financial incentives, Kinguin prioritizes personal and professional development, creating a comprehensive and motivating work environment that encourages Kinguiners to pursue both financial success and personal growth.Balancing Competitive Pricing and Profit Margins with Wholesale PartnersMaintaining a balance between competitive pricing and healthy profit margins when working with wholesale partners is vital. Kinguin focuses on collaboration and building trust, sometimes adjusting pricing to accommodate partners' needs. Personal connections and close relationships with partners have been instrumental in achieving growth in the wholesale segment.Vili said: In our interactions with wholesale partners, our approach is built on a foundation of collaboration and mutual support. We understand the delicate balance between offering competitive pricing and maintaining healthy profit margins for Kinguin. To achieve this equilibrium, we employ a combination of negotiation techniques and pricing strategies tailored to each unique scenario.Oversight of the 'Homepage & Deals Experience Team'Vili has recently taken a lead over the cross-functional team called 'Homepage & Deals Experience Team'. This team plays a pivotal role in driving sales and enhancing customer engagement at Kinguin. In a remarkably short period, we've assembled a diverse team of experts with specialized knowledge in areas such as sales, campaigns, marketing, PPC, SEO, automation, and email marketing. This diversity of expertise provides us with a comprehensive perspective, allowing us to arrive at the best possible solutions through collaborative discussions.Our mission is straightforward yet impactful: every day, we aim to provide customers with compelling reasons to visit Kinguin. The team accomplishes this by curating fresh deals and promotions daily, including exclusive events like Flash sales, where we consistently offer the lowest prices in the market. Our commitment is to make it unnecessary for customers to compare prices; the highlighted deal on our homepage is guaranteed to be the best available. – added Vili.Fostering Collaboration Among Sales DepartmentsCollaboration between various sales departments is fundamental to our success at Kinguin, and we've cultivated a culture of seamless cooperation and unified efforts across all teams. In today's competitive e-commerce landscape, the scale of our operations demands synchronization and coordination.The 'All or Nothing' (AON) challenge serves as a powerful symbol of this cooperation. The company bonus is shared with every member of the Kinguin team, reinforcing our collective commitment to achieving our common goals.The Single Most Important Aspect for Success in E-CommerceAccording to Vili, success hinges on several key streams, each of which plays a pivotal role:Diversification of Income Sources and Services: Businesses should prioritize diversifying their income sources and services. Relying on a single revenue stream can leave a company vulnerable to market fluctuations and changes. Exploring new product lines, entering strategic partnerships, and expanding service offerings can provide stability and resilience in a dynamic market.Customer-Centric Approach: A customer-centric approach remains indispensable. Understanding and meeting customer needs, preferences, and expectations are paramount. Businesses that prioritize exceptional customer experiences, personalized interactions, and responsive support are more likely to retain customers and build brand loyalty.Enhancing the User Experience: The user experience is a cornerstone of success in e-commerce. An intuitive and seamless online shopping experience, optimized for both desktop and mobile users, can significantly impact conversion rates and customer satisfaction. Continuously improving website usability, speed, and security is crucial.In summary, while these aspects are interconnected and collectively contribute to success, they underscore the importance of adaptability and innovation in the ever-changing e-commerce industry. Businesses that prioritize diversification, customer-centricity, and user experience are better positioned to thrive in this competitive environment.ConclusionIn the rapidly evolving world of e-commerce, Vili Kastrev's journey at Kinguin illustrates the keys to success: adaptation and innovation. The gaming industry's rapid growth presents both challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs and maintaining a holistic view of the business.Key to success always lies in people and how motivated they are. Kinguin's 'All or Nothing' monthly bonus program stands out as a unique incentive structure that combines financial rewards with personal and professional development. This multifaceted approach fosters motivation, learning from both successes and failures, and constant communication. Additionally, Kinguin's approach to balancing competitive pricing with wholesale partners highlights the importance of collaboration and trust-building in achieving growth. In this dynamic e-commerce landscape, success hinges on diversifying income sources, a customer-centric approach, and a seamless user experience. Businesses that prioritize adaptability, innovation, and customer satisfaction are poised to thrive in this competitive environment.
Read moreKinguin, a leading digital marketplace for video games, has taken a groundbreaking step to invest in the professional development of its employees (Kinguiners). The company has established a partnership with the prestigious Harvard Business School, providing funding for its employees to attend various online courses. This initiative reflects Kinguin's commitment to nurturing leadership, fostering organizational excellence, and promoting innovation within Kinguiners. Led by industry experts, these courses not only enhance the skills and knowledge of Kinguin employees but also provide them with an invaluable opportunity to expand their international network and engage in meaningful discussions with participants from around the world.With over 40 individual courses funded so far, Kinguiers have a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and expand their knowledge through the three core courses offered: Leadership PrinciplesOrganizational Leadership Design Thinking and Innovation Courses are led by two exceptional experts:Joshua D. Margolis, James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration and the Unit Head for the Organizational Behavior unit. He is also Faculty Chair of the Program for Leadership Development. His research and teaching revolve around leadership and ethics. He has taught courses on Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Leadership and Corporate Accountability, Authentic Leadership Development, and Field Immersion Experiences for Leadership Development (FIELD). Anthony Mayo, Thomas S. Murphy Senior Lecturer of Business Administration and C. Roland Christensen Distinguished Management Educator in the Organizational Behavior Unit of Harvard Business School (HBS). He currently teaches Leadership and Organizational Behavior (LEAD) and Authentic Leader Development in the MBA Program. He also serves as the course head for LEAD.Leadership Principles:The Leadership Principles course provides Kinguin leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the core principles that drive effective leadership. Participants explore their motivational drivers, emotional intelligence, and communication methods to establish a personal leadership style that resonates with their teams. The course emphasizes the importance of applying or adapting leadership styles to meet specific challenges, equipping leaders with the flexibility to navigate diverse situations. By understanding and managing the conditions that drive team performance, participants gain the tools to create an environment that fosters productivity and collaboration. Moreover, the course focuses on coaching colleagues and sharing feedback in ways that empower their development and enhance their performance. Leaders are prepared to handle stressful and demanding situations, developing resilience and composure in their decision-making. Lastly, the course emphasizes the importance of taking charge of professional development, supporting leaders as they navigate the transition from individual contributors to effective leaders within the organization. "The Leadership Principles course at Harvard Business School has been a game-changer for me. It enhanced my communication methods, adaptive leadership, and team performance. I'm excited to apply these principles and drive our team's success." - Konrad Wojcinski, Communications Director at Kinguin. Organizational LeadershipThe Organizational Leadership course focuses on equipping Kinguiners with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively lead teams within a complex organizational structure. This course helps participants identify any misalignments between the dynamics of their organization and external market conditions, ensuring that strategies and actions remain relevant and responsive to the ever-changing business landscape. Through effective communication of purpose and vision, participants learn how to inspire their organization to execute on that vision, aligning their teams and driving collective success. The course also emphasizes the importance of extending influence through other managers, enabling leaders to have a broader impact on the organization. Additionally, participants learn to elevate their leadership style to meet the distinct challenges of leading larger, more dispersed teams. They gain insights into shaping organizational culture and architecture to maximize talent, leverage diversity, and drive overall performance. Furthermore, the course equips Kinguin leaders with strategies for planning and engineering organizational change and innovation initiatives, enabling them to navigate and lead through transformative processes successfully. "The Organizational Leadership course at Harvard Business School has been transformative for me. It provided me with the tools to address market dynamics, inspire our team, shape our culture, and drive performance. I'm really looking forward to using all these invaluable learnings.”- Adam Gruda, Chief Operations Officer at KinguinDesign Thinking and InnovationThe Design Thinking and Innovation course equips Kinguiners with a fresh mindset that integrates creative problem-solving and management. Participants learn to overcome rigid thinking patterns and approach problems with a fresh perspective, fostering innovation within the organization. The course helps develop an innovation toolkit, enabling leaders to determine when and how to apply design thinking frameworks, tools, and exercises to their strategic initiatives. Through practicing empathy and applying human-centered design techniques such as ideation, prototyping, user journey mapping, and analyzing mental models, participants gain practical skills to drive innovation. Additionally, the course emphasizes the assessment of group dynamics to maximize the team's potential in developing and iterating prototypes, as well as managing the implementation of new designs. Leaders also gain an understanding of how to create an optimal environment and foster team dynamics that promote innovation and collaboration. By collaborating with peers from diverse professional backgrounds, participants put design thinking into action and leverage the collective experiences to drive innovative solutions."The Design Thinking and Innovation course at Harvard Business School revolutionized my perspective. It empowered me to break rigid thinking patterns, apply human-centered design, and maximize our team's potential for innovation. With a newfound toolkit, I'm eager to collaborate across diverse backgrounds and put design thinking into action to drive transformative solutions." - Jakub Bieganowski, VP of Products, Data & Analytics at Kinguin.Conclusions:This commitment to professional development is in line with Kinguin's core values of Care, Impact, and Passion. Kinguin ensures that these courses are available to every Kinguiner, regardless of their level or department, emphasizing equal opportunities for growth and skill enhancement. This inclusive approach cultivates a supportive and collaborative work environment, where individuals are encouraged to pursue their career aspirations and contribute their unique perspectives to the overall success of the company. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth, our commitment to professional development through these courses ignites passion and makes a true impact on our organizational culture and business outcomes.Kinguin's partnership with Harvard Business School reflects our dedication to investing in our employees' professional development. By funding over 40 individual courses, Kinguin empowers its employees to become effective leaders, drive organizational excellence, and foster innovation. The Leadership Principles, Organizational Leadership, and Design Thinking and Innovation courses provide Kinguiners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a competitive industry. As Kinguiners seize the opportunity to attend these prestigious courses, the company sets a new standard for employee development within the gaming industry.
Read moreAs of August 2nd, 2023, Viktor Romaniuk will become the new Acting CEO of Kinguin, continuing the innovative Rotating CEO concept that has guided Kinguin's success over the past two years. Two years ago at Kinguin, we embarked on an uncharted journey by implementing the concept of a Rotating CEO. A seemingly unconventional idea, this model of leadership was designed to maintain our agility, foster innovation, and drive us towards our ambitious Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) targets, while helping us to navigate the challenging landscapes that often accompany such growth.Why introduce a 6 months rotating CEO structure? Traditional leadership models, while effective, often put immense pressure on a single individual. CEOs carry the weight of the entire company's success, often leading to long work hours, high-pressure decision making, and a work-life imbalance. With the advent of technology, the expectation for CEOs to be 'always on' further contributes to stress and the risk of burnout.With our Rotating CEO approach at Kinguin, we have:Diversity of Perspective: Each rotating CEO brings unique perspectives to the table, rooted in their distinct experiences and expertise. This diversity enriches our decision-making processes and sparks innovative strategies and solutions.Shared Responsibility: Rotating the role of the CEO helps us to share the immense responsibility and stress, leading to more balanced leadership and a fresh, energized approach.Team Building: Shared leadership fosters unity and collaboration at the executive level, promoting seamless transitions and consistent strategic execution.So, has our unconventional approach been successful? Absolutely. Since the implementation of the Acting CEO model, we have almost tripled our GMV, significantly improving our processes and workflows. This success is testament to the power of perspective diversity and shared responsibility in driving growth and resilience.As we welcome Viktor Romaniuk to his new role as Acting CEO, we pause to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of our former Acting CEO Robert Kalbarczyk, whose leadership has been instrumental in our journey thus far. Viktor's appointment ensures a smooth continuation of our strategy, as we remain committed to our mission of making gaming accessible and inclusive for everyone and to our vision of becoming the world's most open digital entertainment playground.This innovative approach to leadership is one of the many ways we, at Kinguin, strive to challenge the status quo, disrupt traditional business models, and keep our sights set on the future. By openly sharing our journey, we hope to inspire other organizations to explore diverse leadership structures, promoting innovation, growth, and resilience in an ever-changing business landscape.Here’s to continued innovation, unity, and shared success in the face of exciting challenges ahead!
Read moreIn the world of digital gaming, Kinguin has established a prominent role for itself. As a leading online marketplace for gamers, we offer a diverse selection of digital offerings. Recently, the platform reached a remarkable milestone by surpassing 16 million registered users, showcasing the soaring demand for digital gaming purchases. Furthermore, this year marks Kinguin's momentous 10th anniversary, adding an extra layer of significance to our accomplishments. This article will delve into the importance of this celebration, highlight the platform's global reach, and explore some fascinating demographic statistics from the past 12 months.With a presence in over 220 countries worldwide, Kinguin has transformed the way gamers purchase and access their favorite titles. Since its inception a decade ago, the platform has grown exponentially, now serving millions of gamers across the globe. This accomplishment signifies the platform's exceptional commitment to providing excellent service and digital gaming products to a diverse and vast user base.Among the multitude of countries where Kinguin is accessible, Germany, USA, and Poland have emerged as the powerhouse trio, contributing significantly to the platform's immense success. Together, these three countries account for an impressive 42% of Kinguin's total registered users. The German gaming community's dedication, the passion of American gamers, and the enthusiasm of Polish players have helped Kinguin establish itself as a global gaming authority.Understanding the User Demographics:Kinguin's 16 million registered users come from various age groups and backgrounds, reflecting the universality of digital gaming. From the data collected in the past 12 months, it is evident that the platform appeals strongly to the younger generation.· A Dominant Youthful Presence: A whopping 43% of Kinguin's users fall within the age group of 18 to 24 years. The enthusiasm and energy of this youthful demographic have greatly contributed to the platform's dynamic growth and vibrant gaming community.· A Significant Age Bracket: The age group of 25 to 34 years constitutes 27% of Kinguin's user base. This group, slightly more experienced in the gaming world, brings a mix of expertise and curiosity, fostering a thriving environment for exchange and exploration.· Diverse Gender Representation: Recognizing the ever-increasing diversity in the gaming industry, Kinguin's user demographics showcase a noteworthy 23% of female gamers. This figure highlights the platform's commitment to inclusivity and creating a welcoming space for all gamers.Kinguin's milestone of 16 million registered users is not only a testament to the platform's global popularity but also a reflection of the exponential growth in digital gaming. With over 200,000 digital offerings available on the marketplace, gamers can explore a vast array of titles, downloadable content (DLC), in-game items, gift cards, software tools, and NFTs making it a one-stop-shop for all digital things.Celebrating a Decade of Success:This year marks Kinguin's 10th anniversary, a significant milestone that highlights a decade of dedication, innovation, and growth. Over the years, the platform has evolved into a leading force in the gaming industry, revolutionizing the way gamers access and enjoy their favorite digital content. With a decade of success behind, Kinguin looks forward to a promising future, continuing to serve its loyal community of gamers, with a mission to become the most open digital entertainment playground.Conclusion:Kinguin's achievement of reaching 16 million registered users and celebrating its 10th anniversary is a remarkable double celebration that reinforces our position as a frontrunner in the digital gaming marketplace. As the demand for digital gaming continues to surge, the platform's global reach, user-friendly interface, and extensive catalog of offerings have secured its place as a go-to destination for gamers worldwide. With the enthusiastic support of users from Germany, USA, Poland, and numerous other countries, Kinguin is poised for even greater accomplishments in the future, solidifying its position as a leader in the ever-evolving gaming industry.
Read moreWe recently had the pleasure of hosting an extraordinary event, Kinguin&Friends: Google Based Digital Transformation. This event brought together industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts to explore the exciting world of digital transformation and its collaboration with Google Cloud. In case you missed it, we've got you covered! Read on for a recap of the event and find links to the video recap and insightful interviews with our very own CTO, Marek Fila, and a Google Sales Representative, Maciej Buczkowski. The event took place on June 15, at The Warsaw Hub, which serves as the Warsaw headquarters of Google. It lasted 4 hours, offering attendees an engaging experience. There were numerous participants, including people from Google Cloud, Velo Bank, GG League, Exaco, APN promis, BatMaid, Syntech or some students from the Warsaw School of Economics and Warsaw University of Technology. We had a great opportunity to network and exchange ideas. Throughout the event, we delved into several key areas that are shaping the digital landscape. Agenda:Application Programming Interface (API): We explored the significance of APIs in enabling seamless integration and driving innovation in digital transformations.Transformation to Data Driven Organization: The event focused on the importance of leveraging data-driven strategies to optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and unlock new opportunities.Panel Discussion: A captivating panel discussion engaged participants in thought-provoking conversations on the future of the industry, highlighting the potential of data-driven approaches and API solutions.Speakers:Our esteemed lineup of speakers brought invaluable insights and expertise to the event, providing attendees with unique perspectives on digital transformation:🎤 Maciej Buczkowski - Field Sales Representative - Google Cloud🎤 Kuba Zajączkowski - Data Analyst Sales - Google Cloud🎤 Marek Fila - Chief Technology Officer - Kinguin🎤 Mariusz Jagodziński - Head of Data & Analytics - Kinguin🎤 Maciej Sztyk - Product Owner - KinguinTheir informative presentations and engaging discussions left a lasting impact, igniting enthusiasm and fueling the drive for innovation.Take a look at the insightful discussions and memorable interactions that took place during the event. Watch the video recap here: Event Video Recap Link Additionally, dive deeper into our exclusive interviews with Marek Fila, CTO at Kinguin. Gain valuable insights into our collaboration with Google Cloud, the challenges we overcame together, operational efficiency, user experience, scalability of the platform, data security, compliance, and future initiatives. Watch the interviews here: Marek Fila Interview Link The video interview with Maciej Buczkowski, Field Sales Representative at Google, explores the alignment between Google Cloud's technology and services with Kinguin's business goals and the value derived from the partnership. It also highlights how Google Cloud supports Kinguin, including the most beneficial technologies and features, as well as addressing security, compliance challenges, data privacy, and protection. Additionally, it discusses Google Cloud's plans for introducing new technologies or services that may further benefit Kinguin and other e-commerce companies.Maciej Buczkowski Interview Link Conclusion:The Kinguin&Friends: Google Based Digital Transformation event was a remarkable occasion that united industry experts, thought leaders, and technology enthusiasts. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who made this event a tremendous success, including our esteemed speakers, attendees, and our valued partner, Google.Be sure to watch the video recap to immerse yourself in the event's atmosphere and gain deeper insights from our enlightening interviews. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to drive digital transformation and innovation in the industry.Together with Google, we are embracing the future of technology, making a positive impact, and unlocking new opportunities. Join us on this transformative journey!
Read moreIn the fast-paced world of online gaming, staying ahead of the competition requires constant innovation and optimization of business processes. Kinguin, a leading global marketplace for video games, recognized the need for a more efficient and customizable tool to enhance their operations. In order to do that, Kinguin developed its own Open API solution, called Harpagon. This article explores how implementation of Open API has transformed Kinguin’s business, enabling us to expand product base, streamline operations, and achieve significant cost savings. Before the implementation of Open API, Kinguin relied on a third-party tool, SellingHub, to manage operations. However, we soon realized that this tool did not fully meet our needs and expectations. We faced limitations in terms of customization and development, which hindered our ability to adapt the tool to their specific needs. Recognizing the need for a more flexible solution, Kinguin decided to develop their own tool from scratch.The Birth of Open API (Harpagon):Kinguin's dedicated team embarked on a year-long journey to create Open API, an in-house solution designed to empower the company with full control over the operations. Open API, internally known as Harpagon, was developed to address both purchasing and sales aspects of Kinguin's business. We were able to create an innovative and scalable e-commerce service that enables Kinguin, and other e-commerce platforms that consolidate digital keys from various sources, to work together on sales and purchases.Purchasing Advancements:With the implementation of Open API, Kinguin unlocked new possibilities for expanding product base and introducing new suppliers. The enhanced tool allowed us to seamlessly integrate with the largest gaming marketplaces worldwide. As a result, Kinguin experienced a remarkable 30% increase in their product offerings within one year, providing gamers with a wider range of choices. Our current range of products encompasses an extensive selection of digital items, exceeding 200,000 offerings. These include video games, software applications, in-game content, gift cards, and NFTs (non-fungible tokens).Sales Expansion:One of the key objectives of implementing Open API was to enable Kinguin to sell on other marketplaces, in addition to our own platform. By integrating with these marketplaces, Kinguin opened up new revenue streams and expanded reach to a broader audience. This strategic move not only increased our sales potential but also strengthened the position in the highly competitive gaming market. The Open API service also acts as a marketing tool, allowing for the promotion of the Kinguin platform on external websites.Realizing Cost Savings:In addition to the flexibility and scalability offered by Open API, Kinguin achieved significant cost savings. By utilizing our own in-house tool, we eliminated the need to rely on third-party solutions. The cost savings were then redirected to further enhance our API capabilities, allowing us to match products easier and faster than ever before. For example, Kinguin managed to automate the matching of 7,000 products in just one day, a process that used to take several weeks previously.Embracing the Growth of APIs:The implementation of Open API aligns with the ever-growing trend of APIs in the technology industry. Over the past year, the API ecosystem has experienced remarkable growth, with an increasing number of practitioners and countries adopting APIs. The Postman API Platform, for instance, witnessed substantial surges in usage, including 20 million users, 38 million collections created, and a staggering 1.13 billion requests generated in the past 12 months. Kinguin's adoption of Open API positions us at the forefront of this technological movement, leveraging the power of APIs to drive innovation within the organization.The Future of Open API:Kinguin's journey with Open API is far from over. The company has ambitious plans to further develop and refine our in-house solution. We are currently focusing on the wholesale part of operations, aiming to expand our supplier network and provide even more diverse product offerings to our customers. Additionally, Kinguin is actively working on developing an analytical module within Open API, enabling us to gain valuable insights into business operations and make data-driven decisions.Conclusions:By implementing Open API, Kinguin has revolutionized operations, leaving behind the limitations of our previous third-party tool. The in-house solution has allowed us to expand our product base, integrate with major gaming marketplaces, and achieve significant cost savings. As Kinguin continues to invest in the development of Open API, our commitment to customization, efficiency, and innovation positions us as a frontrunner in the ever-evolving gaming industry.Author: IT and Product Team
Read moreLooking to join an exciting team that truly values its people? Kinguin, a vibrant organization at the heart of the gaming industry, might be your next career destination. Rooted in core values of CARE, PASSION, and IMPACT, Kinguin fosters a culture that prioritizes its people and champions diversity. In this piece, we dive into an insightful chat with Partycja Adamczyk, Head of People at Kinguin, exploring how our values come to life, what the People Team is up to, and what makes Kinguin's culture unique and engaging. If you've been looking for a fulfilling career that celebrates your individuality, read on to see why Kinguin could be your ideal fit!With over 13 years of experience in HR, Partycja Adamczyk brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as the Head of People at Kinguin. She has worked in reputable companies such as British American Tobacco (BAT), Rosti Group or Bracia Sadownicy. Partycja joined Kinguin in January 2023, driven by her strategic and organizational skills, which she demonstrated from a young age. Her experience includes leading regional roles within the internal communication area, managing compensation & benefits, driving and implementing soft HR global projects and setting up processes to optimize substantial human resources structures.Strategy of the People Team:Since Partycja's arrival, the People Team at Kinguin has made significant progress in terms of strategy and approach. The key areas of focus include creating and implementing HR strategy, consistent with Kinguin's Blueprint, building a strong and motivated People Team. That allows individual development based on talents and strengths, mapping and streamlining processes, and emphasizing automation and digitization. These efforts align with the "Career Accelerant", pillar of Kinguin's Blueprint, driving all activities in the HR department.Interpreting and implementing company values:Partycja emphasizes that the core values of Care, Passion, and Impact are firmly embedded in the People department at Kinguin. The team focuses on effective communication and knowledge sharing, fostering an environment where employees (Kinguiners) feel valued and supported. By prioritizing open dialogue, the team promotes well-being and ensures seamless implementation of changes. Taking a proactive stance, the team goes above and beyond to address business challenges while placing people at the forefront. No Kinguiner problem, whether work-related or personal, is ever ignored, reflecting the team's genuine care and commitment.Moreover, the People department actively focuses on streamlining processes through automation, enhancing efficiency, and driving organizational development. By living out the values, the People department creates a culture where Kinguiners thrive, impact is maximized, and passion fuels success. Kinguin's Unique Culture:Partycja describes Kinguin as an extraordinary organization, emphasizing dynamism, flexibility, and a strong aversion to bureaucracy. Company strives to provide space for Kinguiners to learn and create, enabling their growth and fostering pride in their work. The People Team plays a pivotal role in shaping the company culture, focusing on the values of Passion, Impact, and Care. By implementing a Code of Conduct, an anti-harassment procedure, and a competence model deeply embedded with these values, the People Team ensures that the entire organization operates ethically and cohesively. One of the examples of People’s team commitment to Kinguiners is Mental Health Support Platform implementation, where they provide 8 individual sessions with psychologists or business coaches as per employee needs. Another activity area are training sessions, such as Emotional Intelligence, Change Management or Effective Presentations & Public Speaking. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:Kinguin is dedicated to fostering a Safe, Inclusive & Diverse workplace culture. The company's Board fully supports this endeavor, and Partycja's team takes several steps to promote inclusivity and security. Firstly, they identify areas where unequal treatment may occur based on age, gender, ethnicity, or nationality. Secondly, a "Whistle Blower" tool is being implemented to provide a safe reporting mechanism for Kinguiners to address unacceptable practices. Additionally, the team emphasizes the implementation of a comprehensive "Code of Conduct" for ethical behavior toward employees, partners, and contractors. Training sessions will be provided to both current and new Kinguiners, ensuring that everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Conclusion:Under Partycja Adamczyk's leadership, Kinguin's People Team is actively fostering a Culture of Values and Inclusivity. By prioritizing effective communication, proactive problem-solving, and process improvement, the team ensures the well-being and development of Kinguiners, while aligning with Kinguin's strategic goals. Moreover, Kinguin's unique culture, marked by dynamism, flexibility, and a focus on values, sets it apart from other companies. By promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through mapping, reporting mechanisms, and training initiatives, Kinguin is actively creating a Safe, Inclusive & Diverse workplace for all Kinguiners.
Read moreWe are excited to share that Kinguin has introduced Open Banking payments, as part of the checkout process. This feature is now available for customers in multiple European countries. With the convenient Pay by bank method, customers can securely make real-time payments through their banks to purchase products from Kinguin.Open banking is a concept that allows customers to securely share their financial information, like banking transactions and account details, with other authorised organisations through digital channels. It's called "open" because it promotes the idea of sharing this information to create better financial services and experiences.Imagine you have multiple bank accounts with different banks. In a traditional scenario, you would need to log in to each bank separately to manage your accounts. However, with open banking, you can use a single platform or app to access and manage all your accounts in one place.Open banking relies on the use of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), which are like digital bridges that enable different systems to communicate and share information with each other. By using these APIs, authorised third-party providers (such as fintech companies) can securely access your financial data with your consent.This access to your financial information allows for a range of benefits. For example, you can use apps or services that help you budget, analyse your spending patterns, or find better financial products and deals. It also enables you to initiate payments directly from your bank account without needing a credit or debit card.Open banking puts you in control of your financial data. You decide which organisations can access your information and for how long. Data privacy and security are crucial aspects of open banking, with strict regulations in place to protect your information.Kinguin introduced Open Banking payment in several European countries, including Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland. Through the seamless Pay by bank method, customers can securely pay real-time via their banks to purchase products from Kinguin."Open banking payments have revolutionised the way we transact, providing seamless and secure real-time transactions through customers' trusted banks. It has transformed the payment experience, empowering users with convenience, trust, and a new level of financial control. I am very excited that Kinguin is at the forefront of applying these innovative methods, ensuring our customers have a cutting-edge payment solution that enhances their overall shopping experience." said Faheem Bakshi, Head of Payments at KinguinBelow is the list of banks available at Kinguin through the Open Banking:ITALYBNL Gruppo BNP ParibasBPER BancaBanca Intesa SanpaoloBanca Monte dei Paschi di SienaBanca SellaBanco BPMBancoPostaCredem BancaCredit AgricoleFineco BankICCREA - Gruppo BCCINGMediolanumN26PostePayRevolutUnicredit ItalyAllianz BankAlto Adige Banca S.p.A. – Sudtirol Bank AGBANCA GALILEOBanca Capasso AntonioBanca Popolare Vesuviana Società cooperativaBanca Popolare del Cassinate Società cooperativa per azioniBanca Popolare delle Provincie MolisaneBanca Popolare di Cortona - Società cooperativa per azioniBanca Popolare di Lajatico S.C.P.A.Banca Promos S.p.A.Banca Santa Giulia S.p.A.Banca di MacerataBanca di Risparmio di SaviglianoCassa Centrale BancaCassa Rurale Alta Vallagarina di Besenello, Calliano, Nomi, Volano Banca di Credito Cooperativo - Società cooperatvaCassa Rurale Rotaliana e Giovo BCC Società CooperativaCredito Etneo Banca di Credito Cooperativo - Società cooperativa a responsabilità limitataCredito Lombardo Veneto S.p.A.Guber BancaHypo Tirol Bank AGMediocredito Trentino Alto Adige SpaPrader BankSolution BankNETHERLANDSABN AMROASN BankINGKnabN26RabobankRegioBankRevolutSNSBankTriodosPORTUGALActivo BankBBVABanco Atlantico Europa, SABanco BPIBanco CTTBanco MontepioBanco Portugues de GestaoBanco de Investimento GlobalBankinterCaixa Geral de DepósitosCaixa de Credito de LeiriaCredito AgricolaEuroBicMillennium BCPN26Novo BancoRevolutSantanderLITHUANIALuminorRevolutSEBSwedbankŠiaulių bankasESTONIALHVLuminorRevolutSEBSwedbankFINLANDDanske BankNordeaOPOma SäästöpankkiPOP PankkiRevolutS-PankkiSäästöpankkiÅlandsbankenN26
Read moreGreetings Indie Game Devs,At Kinguin, we understand the unique challenges you face in creating and marketing your labor of love - your games. Today, we're delighted to announce a major initiative designed to help: The Kinguin Indie Devs Partnership Fund (KIDPF).If you’ve never heard of Kinguin, or if you’ve come across our name a few times before in the past and want to know more, we’re here to outline exactly who we are and what makes us a safe place to purchase game keys from, so you can start using our website and continue enjoying gaming at a lower cost.We're committing $1 million to be disbursed among indie game developers across the globe by the end of 2024. This fund is a tangible symbol of our support and a testament to our belief in your creativity, passion, and the quality of your games.The KIDPF aims to enhance the visibility of your games, connecting them to Kinguin's robust community of 16+ million users. Importantly, your game doesn't need to be listed on Kinguin to benefit from this grant - you can direct the boosted traffic to your game offer on any platform worldwide.Here's what we can share about KIDPF right now:Who can apply? Any indie game developer from around the world. We embrace diversity in gaming and look forward to seeing applications from all corners of the globe.What's the selection process? We'll soon reveal the criteria for selection. Rest assured, it will be a transparent and fair process, designed to maximize the impact of the fund.What's the grant size? We're still finalizing the details, but we're committed to ensuring the fund has a broad reach and makes a significant impact.How to apply? While the official application process opens on July 7th, you can express your interest today. Send an email to our Chief Gaming Officer, Michal Kaczmarek, at indie@kinguin.net, and we'll put you on the priority waiting list. What happens next? In the coming weeks, we'll be revealing more details about the application requirements, the timeline, and the accountability process. Remember, the Kinguin Indie Devs Partnership Fund is about creating partnerships that support indie game developers. We're excited to launch this initiative as part of our commitment to the indie gaming community.Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to make your mark on the gaming world. Together, we can achieve great things.Your friends,The Kinguin Team
Read moreKinguin is thrilled to announce its exciting new partnership with 9INE, the esports organization and talent management company that has been making waves in the gaming world. This collaboration stems from a shared commitment to empowering gamers and celebrating the esports community in Poland and beyond. As 9INE’s accomplishments continue to grow, including a remarkable #11 position in the ESL world ranking, the partnership with Kinguin is poised to further solidify their status as a competitive force in the world of Counter-Strike. Together, Kinguin and 9INE will create brand exposure, captivating content, and engaging offers that resonate with their passionate audience. Fredrik Belstad, CEO of 9INE, shares his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Kinguin is a great brand that offers fantastic products at discounted prices. This collaboration will allow us to connect with our audience while attracting new fans and followers. Together, we will create captivating entertainment and ensure the future success of Polish Counter-Strike.” Kinguin’s dedication to esports is evident through its decade-long involvement in the industry. Having sponsored numerous successful esports teams, events, and tournaments, Kinguin has been an integral part of the growth and development of the esports community. The company’s Esports Performance Center stands as a testament to their commitment to helping esports athletes reach their full potential. Kinguin also contributes to esports-focused charitable projects, including hosting Ukrainian esports players at the EPC and organizing boot camps and training sessions for children. Viktor Romaniuk, Founder and Chief Experience Officer at Kinguin, expresses his excitement about the partnership, saying, “Teaming up with 9INE is a natural fit for Kinguin as we share the same passion for esports. We’re eager to support 9INE’s esports journey and anticipate a fruitful partnership that will elevate both of our brands to new heights. We wish them the best of luck in the upcoming Major Championship – BLAST Paris Major 2023. We believe that their hard work and dedication will pay off, and we’re thrilled to be part of their journey towards greatness.” Kinguin and 9INE are united in their mission to create a lasting impact on the esports industry and provide exceptional experiences for their fans. This partnership is an exciting step forward in fostering a thriving esports community in Poland and beyond. About 9INE 9INE is a Esports Organization and Talent Management Company that aims to set new standards in the industry by fostering innovation and putting passion at the core of its activities. Both the team and the management have gained valuable experience in years of being active in the industry and working with the biggest brands in Esports. 9INE focus on executional excellence and its responsibility towards players, fans and sponsors has already brought it recognition in Europe. 9INE believes in a better future and is committed to create it through performance, integrity, trust and courage.
Read moreIn the modern age of technology, businesses need databases that can handle large amounts of data and adapt to changing needs. Kinguin, a leading digital marketplace for video games, found that MongoDB Atlas was the perfect solution for their dynamic environment. Kinguin's self-hosted database cluster provided a stable and easy-to-manage database solution for several years. However, as the business grew, managing the cluster became more challenging, requiring more resources and expertise. In this article, we will explore how Kinguin integrated MongoDB Atlas into their infrastructure and the benefits and challenges we experienced throughout the process.MongoDB is a highly-scalable, open-source, noSQL database which provides a flexible data-model ideal for dynamic environments like Kinguin Infrastructure. Overall, MongoDB offers a modern and flexible database solution that is designed to handle the challenges of modern applications. At Kinguin we have been using self-hosted MongoDB for a few years and it was reliable to use. But as our company got bigger, it became harder to keep the database working well and to manage all the things that used it. Some of the problems we encountered, included:Index management in self-hosted MongoDB Clusters - as it affects the performance, storage requirements, and overall efficiency of the database there are some common index management problems that can arise in self-hosted MongoDB clusters, like: Index creation and deletionIncorrect index usagePerformance issuesResource requirements and management of self-hosted MongoDBConfiguration changes We searched for a managed solution that would guarantee system safety, stability, and minimal maintenance effort, with additional support. We found MongoDB Atlas, a managed solution with professional support to help solve any issues. To prepare for a highly-scalable, geo-redundant, multi-region environment in 2023, we decided to migrate our DB clusters to MongoDB Atlas after researching several scenarios.MongoDB Atlas is a cloud-based database service provided by MongoDB. Benefits include easy scalability, robust security features, high availability with automated backups and failover, comprehensive monitoring and alerting tools, fully managed service, global coverage across major cloud providers, and flexible pricing options based on usage. It runs in the same cloud and region as our services, with real-time performance metrics and automated backups.Migrating to MongoDB Atlas was a big decision for us, but we knew it could unlock new opportunities and improve our operations. After research, we were confident it would pay off. The main benefit was access to a managed cloud database service, freeing us from server maintenance and allowing us to focus on our business.Migration OverviewAs a new service that required adoption we needed to make an initial research and carefully plan our migration strategy. This was needed in order to avoid issues such as long delays during data transfer, connection problems to new environments or any other technical issues that may arise during the migration phase.Phase 1: Planning and PreparationDefine the scope of the migration and identify the databases that need to be migrated:We had more than 50 services that were using mongo all the time and switching them off at the same time would have been quite problematic for us. That’s why we needed to research ways for doing live migration without or with minimal downtime. There are several ways available for doing the mongo cluster-to-cluster migration (Live migration using pull or push data migration techniques, mongodump or mongoexport and mongomirror). We found mongomirror to be the most flexible tool for our use case. It integrates with our pipeline, can be started on demand, and keeps the oplog sync process running for enough time to ensure a seamless migration process. That’s why we decided to use mongomirror as a tool for migrating service by service to Atlas.Keeping the data as close to the services as possible. MongoDB provides multicloud support that also runs on VPC peering. This allowed seamless communication between our microservices and mongo clusters with less than 10ms latency.VPC peering along with the speed benefits, provided us with the security needed for running our clusters on private networks with fully governed access.After transferring our non-production data and fully testing our migration patterns we defined a timeline and schedule for the migration process.Reference Architecture of our network Phase 2: Migration ProcessMigrating from a self-hosted MongoDB cluster to MongoDB Atlas using the mongomirror tool can be a complex process, and there are several potential issues that can arise. Here are some common problems that we encountered during the migration process:Connectivity issues: The mongomirror tool relies on a stable network connection between the source and destination clusters. If there are network issues or connectivity problems, it can result in data loss or corruption. It is important to ensure that the network connection is stable and to monitor the progress of the migration closely.To solve this problem we were relying on the underlying cloud infrastructure, which provided us with the necessary reliability to complete the transfer with no connectivity issues.Resource utilization: The mongomirror tool can be resource-intensive, particularly during the initial sync process. However with careful planning and testing we were able to find the necessary balance needed for the amount of resources to allocate for our mongomirror jobs.Security concerns: Migrating data from a self-hosted MongoDB cluster to MongoDB Atlas involves transferring sensitive data over the internet. It is important to ensure that the data is encrypted during transit and that the destination cluster has adequate security measures in place to protect the data. Fortunately we had our private VPC peering connection, so the risk factor here was non-existent.Index creation and build on target clusters: This was one of the issues that we have faced during our mongo migration pipeline. The fact that bigger collections with large indices required almost the same amount of time and sometimes longer than the actual db copy. When the mongomirror performs the sync, it is done in a hybrid manner whereas an individual index build submitted follows the specific MongoDB version.MongoDB 4.2 index builds obtain an exclusive lock on only the collection being indexed during the start and end of the build process to protect metadata changes. The rest of the build process uses the yielding behavior of background index builds to maximize read-write access to the collection during the build. 4.2 index builds still produce efficient index data structures despite the more permissive locking behavior.With some careful planning and maintenance window we were actually able to mitigate that risk and index creation didn’t cause issues during the migration process. Phase 3: Testing and ValidationAfter initial migration to each service we were able to test how connection works, thanks to our approach and automated tooling that we built were able to select, transfer and in case of an issue rollback to previous cluster every single database.Post-migrationAfter migration we were able to fully benefit for all features that Mongo Atlas provides for better overview of our service usage:Performance Advisor:Profiler:Real time performance monitor:After transfer we were able to see graphs like this one showing the boost of performance power:ConclusionsThe migration process required careful planning, preparation, and execution to ensure a successful transition to the new infrastructure. By following this plan and leveraging the available resources and support, we minimized the downtime and disruption to our operations and ensured the availability and performance of our applications during the migration process and now we are happy Atlas users.Author: Infrastructure Team
Read moreWhether you’re new to the world of gaming, or a veteran of the trade, everyone is always on the lookout to find the cheapest solution to getting their hands on their favourite gaming goods. Attention, sellers! Are you tired of juggling multiple sources to stay up-to-date with product prices? Struggling to outpace your competitors? We have exciting news for you! Our team at Kinguin has developed a new offer tab designed to streamline your sales, making your life easier and more efficient.Current lowest price visibility: Easily see the most competitive price for each product, enabling informed pricing decisions.Improved sales data presentation: Grouped data provides a clearer picture of your performance, facilitating better decision-making.One-click wholesale offer access: Quickly view and purchase the best available wholesale offers for your products.Integrated restock button: Conveniently restock offers directly from the offer tab, saving time and streamlining the process.Mass key download: Download all keys related to wholesale purchases in one file, directly from the success page, with an option to add them automatically to the offer. Take a look at our latest video showcasing the amazing new functionalities of our "Offer" tab:https://blog.kinguin.net/new-offer-tab-streamlining-your-sales With this revamped design, you'll gain deeper insights into your product offerings. You can now see the current lowest price for any product, empowering you to make informed decisions regarding your pricing strategy. This feature will help you stay competitive and boost your chances of making a sale.The new offer tab also enhances the visibility of your sales data. By grouping this information, we provide a clearer picture of your performance, enabling you to make smarter decisions about restocking and pricing. One of the most significant features of the updated offer tab is the integrated restock button. You can now restock your offers directly from the offer tab, eliminating the need to navigate through other pages or menus. In just one click, you'll be able to view the best available wholesale offer for your product, and easily purchase the necessary stock to restock your current offer, keeping it current and competitive.Additionally, we're thrilled to announce that sellers can now download all keys related to their wholesale purchases in a single, mass download straight from the success page. What is even more important is that each seller can now add stock directly from the Inventory tab. These added convenience saves time and effort, allowing you to access your purchase information quickly and efficiently.
Read moreToday marks one year since Russia's armed attack on Ukraine, and it is a somber reminder that the war is not over yet. It is a situation that cannot be forgotten. As a year ago, so today - the support is very much needed. On this occasion, we want to highlight Kinguiners, common people, who stood up and simply started helping. We look up to them and want to encourage all who can to follow their footsteps. Viktor Romaniuk Wanli, the founder of Kinguin, motivated everyone and initiated the process of helping Ukraine by contacting NAVI, an esport organization from Ukraine, inviting them to stay in Poland. He also posted on his LinkedIn and initiated an open-door policy to utilize Kinguin physical locations to help people from Ukraine. He was openly engaged in discussions and openly advocated support for Ukraine, including an interview with Esports Insider.Paweł Książek, Paweł Żukowski, Anna Mączko and the entire EPC crew support the Ukrainian esport community and their families. Kinguin Esports Performance Center in Warsaw is open free of charge for any Ukrainian pro-players and their families. Up to date, we have hosted over 30 people, and some of them are still with us, as long as their situation requires. Paweł Książek was also engaged in interviews about Ukrainian support with The Washington Post, Le Monde, or Onet.Kuba Lang, Michał Kaczmarek, and Antek Rybiński from the OGDM ‘From the Border to the Flat’ foundation are working closely with Kinguin to help Ukrainians. Kinguin offered OGDM headquarters for the foundation as well as 24/7 coordination centers to match the request between drivers and border crossings. The foundation has so far transported over 77,000 Ukrainian people, secured over 3,000 accommodations all over Poland, and linked 12,000 people offering their flats. OGDM together with Kinguin organized charity donations and concerts supporting Ukraine.Anna Palowicz worked with the Foundation for Transplantation by organizing the purchase and transport of medicines for the Ukrainian hospital in Krzywy Rog and the hospital in Lviv. She also supported the city of Przemyśl in contacting brands that delivered necessities, such as water and coffee, to the border with Ukraine. Thanks to Kinguin's support, they were able to help with transport and provide shelter.Mariusz Jagodziński was helping territorial defense forces in Sumy, by organizing medical supplies and elements of winter equipment and clothing. Mariusz was able to obtain over 100 different pieces of specialist equipment.Anna Kalota, Natalia Szepelowska, and Przemysław Padrak were engaged in helping Ukrainian families in Poznań, securing accommodation for them in the Kinguin office for several months.Moreover, the majority of Kinguiners made individual donations to different charities supporting Ukraine. Kinguin employees were also hosting Ukrainian refugees at their homes and have taken to helping them with critical errands like getting a local SIM card and renting a car.Despite all the above-mentioned initiatives, support is still needed for those affected by the ongoing conflict. The war in Ukraine is far from over, and the Ukrainian people still require support. Kinguin wants to highlight some notable organizations that are still supporting Ukrainian people, including: OGDM donation, The Ukrainian Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Voices of Children and Future for Ukraine.
Read moreKinguin is a pioneering global gaming marketplace, which recently surpassed 15 million registered customers with over 150,000 digital product offers on the platform. Kinguin has experienced immense growth in the last few years, doubling or even tripling its key business indicators. We sat down with Adam Gruda, newly named Partner and Chief Operations Officer at Kinguin, to discuss the evolution of the company as well as its future directions. Adam has worked for Kinguin from the very beginning, almost 13 years now. He has gained valuable experience and expertise in various aspects of the company over the years to be able to take on more complex and strategic projects, as well as to take on leadership roles, to effectively manage teams, develop and execute strategies and drive growth. He is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company, developing and implementing strategies that help Kinguin achieve its short and long term goals. To be more specific:Ensuring that the company's overall strategic vision is implemented effectively, with a specific focus on revenue aspects.Leading the development and implementation of operational plans and strategies to achieve the company's financial targets and revenue growth goals.Coordinating with the executive team to identify new business opportunities, develop strategies for pursuing those opportunities, and monitor progress toward achieving them.Overseeing the daily operations of the company to ensure efficient and effective performance across all departments.Collaborating with the CEO and other senior leaders to establish key performance indicators, track progress, and report on the company's overall performance.The evolution of KinguinThe last couple of years were particularly successful for the company and Kinguin has made a major leap to become one of the leading ecommerce businesses worldwide. Kinguin has undergone significant changes in its business model, driven by evolving fast-paced market conditions and changing customer demands. Kinguin has taken several steps to expand its business and improve customer experience. These include diversifying its product offerings, which now extend beyond video games to include software, virtual reality gear, NFTs, and other digital products. Over the past decade, Kinguin has established 150,000 offers and 60,000 unique products. Another significant move has been the expansion of sales channels, including partnerships with other online marketplaces. The API has played a key role in driving this growth. Additionally, Kinguin has prioritized providing an exceptional customer experience, with improvements to its website and customer support services. The future of KinguinAs the new COO of Kinguin, Adam and the Board, identified five pillars that will shape the company's growth and set Kinguin apart as a leading digital entertainment platform.The first pillar is Kinguin API, which we believe is the world's most open. We designed it to provide maximum transparency and accessibility to products and services, empowering developers, merchants, and users alike to unlock the full potential of our platform.Our second pillar is our foray into games publishing. Our strategy to expand its presence in the gaming development space is multifaceted, and it includes a range of initiatives that are designed to capture a larger share of the market. By adopting a vertical integration approach, creating a launchpad, developing its own games, and creating great content pieces, Kinguin hopes to appeal to a wide range of audiences and cement its position as a major player in the gaming industry. It is worth highlighting our recent accomplishment with the Roblox gaming experience. Our team has developed a game within the Roblox ecosystem that provides fun and interactive entertainment for thousands of users.Our third pillar is our commitment to being the world's most open employer. We believe in creating an inclusive and supportive work environment that values diversity and encourages open communication and collaboration among Kinguiners.Our fourth pillar is our focus on providing the best possible user experience. We believe in simplicity, consistency, and functionality, and we strive to offer a seamless experience for users on our platform. We plan to continue investing in innovation, particularly in AI and machine learning, to improve internal operations and customer experience. Finally, our fifth pillar is our commitment to being the best platform for merchants and customers. We aim to provide a great onboarding experience for both wholesale and retail partners, advanced stats and insights, and seamless management of accounts and inventory anytime and anywhere. As part of the company's strategy, product diversification and an attractive product portfolio are key elements. The goal is to expand into new product categories such as streaming services (e.g. Netflix or Disney Plus), clothing (e.g. Zalando), transportation (e.g. Uber), cloud gaming (via Nware gift cards), telecommunications (e.g. Vodafone or T-Mobile top-ups), in-game economy (e.g. Minecraft, Roblox, CS:GO, Fortnite) or e-money vouchers (e.g. Neosurf, JetonCash, AstroPay). This wide range of products will allow for growth and make Kinguin more attractive to different customer segments.In summary, our five pillars reflect Kinguin's commitment to providing the best services to our users, merchants, and Kinguiners. Kinguin's ambition is to become the most open digital playground while also remaining adaptable and innovative in the face of changing market dynamics. By remaining focused on customer needs and preferences and continuing to evolve its business model and offerings, Kinguin is well positioned to achieve its ambitious goals and continue to be a major player in the market of digital goods.
Read moreWhether you’re new to the world of gaming, or a veteran of the trade, everyone is always on the lookout to find the cheapest solution to getting their hands on their favourite gaming goods.While buying products from the high street hasn’t completely died off, many now turn to the internet to buy their products and digitally savvy gamers are no different. That’s where Kinguin steps in. Kinguin is an online platform that allows new and old gamers alike to purchase everything they need to enjoy gaming safely. If you’ve never heard of Kinguin, or if you’ve come across our name a few times before in the past and want to know more, we’re here to outline exactly who we are and what makes us a safe place to purchase game keys from, so you can start using our website and continue enjoying gaming at a lower cost. What Is Kinguin?To understand whether Kinguin is safe, first there needs to be an understanding of what Kinguin is and what it isn’t. Kinguin is an online, digital marketplace. We allow distributors from all over the globe, from Poland, to the U.S., and all the way to Australia, to offer their products to our 15 million Kinguin customers.People may view us in a similar way to how they view the likes of online platforms like eBay and Amazon. These trusted platforms also use distributors to offer their stock, without the need for those businesses to pay an extortionate amount for designing and maintaining a website.Kinguin is not, however, a reseller or seller itself. Are these distributors legit? Any distributor that wants to sell products through Kinguin needs to go through our multi-level verification process. Provided they meet our criteria, we allow them to sell their products through the Kinguin website. These distributors pay taxes and comply with relevant laws on the selling and distribution of goods in the countries they operate. Digital products that are sold at Kinguin are already bought from developers or publishers by their wholesale and retail partners, which then distribute them through their own networks. They buy it in bulk and that way they can negotiate prices. You can read more about the distribution process of game keys in our previous article. What If I purchase a product from a registered distributor on Kinguin and it doesn’t work? Your code will be replaced or you get your money back. Simply contact our customer support via the Kinguin website and we’ll investigate the issue for you. We’ll also look more closely at why the product doesn’t work and if necessary, we’ll ban the distributor from using the Kinguin website to sell its product.It’s also worth pointing out that it’s very uncommon for products purchased via Kinguin not to work, with only 0.4% of total purchases on Kinguin in 2022 being reported with issues. All of these products were either replaced or refunded. What do others say about Kinguin?Trustpilot.com, an open review platform that allows users to review their experience of any website on the internet, gives Kinguin a 4.4 / 5 trust rating, with over 44,000 reviews in total. To put that into perspective, eBay currently has a Trustpilot rating of 1.4 / 5 while Amazon has a Trustpilot rating of 1.7 / 5. Independent reviews of Kinguin have also been carried out by media outlets, including Citizens Journal, All Tech Buzz or SoftoCoupon, which described Kinguin as: “a safe website to buy from”.So, in conclusion, is Kinguin legit and a safe site? Kinguin is definitely a trusted platform and legitimate website that many customers use to purchase their products cheaply. Company operates on the market for over 10 years and has over 15 million global registered users. Almost all those that use Kinguin have a positive experience and do so without any issues whatsoever. For those that do run into issues, Kinguin offers them the best-in-class customer service offering to investigate the issue and refund them as quickly as possible.
Read moreIn 2023, companies are undergoing major structural changes as they navigate the new business environment. The pandemic has forced organizations to rethink their traditional hierarchical structures and find more agile and flexible ways of operating. As a result, many companies are flattening their organizational charts and empowering their employees to make decisions and drive innovation. The shift towards remote work has also made it possible for companies to tap into a global talent pool, leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Additionally, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of cross-functional collaboration, leading to the creation of more cross-functional teams and breaking down departmental silos. These structural changes are aimed at improving efficiency, promoting innovation, and better serving the needs of customers.The start of 2023 has been no different for Kinguin with the arrival of numerous new team members and important changes to departmental operations. For an organization like Kinguin, having nearly 300 employees, such changes occur every few years. We spoke to Viktor, our Founder about this new structure and overall direction of the company in 2023. Viktor Romaniuk Wanli, Founder of Kinguin said:I am thrilled to announce that Robert Kalbarczyk will continue to serve as our CEO until the end of July 2023 and I am also proud to welcome Adam Gruda as our new Chief Operations Officer (COO). This marks a new chapter in our company’s growth, and we are confident that our renewed leadership will drive us towards continued success.At Kinguin, our mission has always been to make gaming accessible and inclusive for everyone. Our vision is to become the world's most open digital entertainment playground, and we are proud to be leading the charge in making that vision a reality. Our values of impact, care, and passion are at the heart of everything we do, and I am proud to say that our team embodies these values every day.With Robert and Adam at the helm, I am confident that we will continue to execute our mission with passion, care and impact. Their dedication to our company and our customers is unparalleled, and I have no doubt that their leadership will be instrumental in our continued success.Starting February 1st, we are also introducing a new company structure, as outlined in the attached chart. This new structure will allow us to more effectively execute our mission and continue to grow as a company.In closing, I want to express my deep gratitude for all of our Kinguiners and for the tremendous impact you have had on our company. I am confident that, together, we will continue to make gaming accessible and inclusive for everyone, and I look forward to what the future holds for Kinguin.Best regards,Viktor Romaniuk Wanli, Founder of Kinguin
Read moreKinguin has evolved, diversified and adapted to the ever changing economy as it celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2023. Business evolution is an ever changing challenge, and the company has managed to master its methods in keeping up with the current times. Łukasz Piechowski, Chief Business Support Officer, has worked alongside Kinguin for the last few years, and has led the company into a new era of growth. His team are the masterminds behind some of Kinguin’s flagship projects that have led to tremendous growth. We spoke to Łukasz about how his team has had to adapt over the last few years, potential growth points and how he goes about his role and responsibilities at Kinguin. Łukasz started working with Kinguin almost 5 years ago, and has seen the company grow and change many times over his career. Originally, he hadn’t worked in the gaming and ecommerce industry, but with a passion of playing games and being a completionist. He grew a habit of finishing things through to the end, no matter how difficult and complex they are. He began his cooperation with Kinguin working on the Kinguin Esports Lounge (KEL), where he oversaw the development, design, finance and all other logistical aspects of the project. The KEL is one of Kinguin’s oldest ventures, and has been self-sufficient since its inception - including during the global pandemic. Over the last few years, the business support team at Kinguin has grown into a bigger organism inside the organisation. The goal is to make Kinguin grow quickly, sustainably and in new directions. The team is experienced in all tools of the trade, from vendor management and compliance, to the implementation of payment solutions.These areas are of great importance to Kinguin, with the payments team, one of the fastest growing units, plays an important part in Kinguin’s roadmap to deliver customers and merchants more tailored solutions. If Kinguin has introduced a solution, Łukasz’s teams have most likely been involved. In a similar fashion to bamboo, each project has to grow from the ground up, ensuring the foundation is as secure as possible being key for fast growth.Growth hacking is a term defining the rapid growth of a company, that isn’t taken lightly at Kinguin, and can be seen in full force when looking at the organisation’s growth. Engineering creativity, data and the required technology and tools to each project ensure a tailored solution to each and every challenge. A great example of this is the transformation of the business intelligence department, now renamed to Data and Analytics. The first step was creating a data warehouse, and enforcing company-wide infrastructure that would be able to manage a high load of data simultaneously. From this, tools were then utilised to ensure Kinguin could extract and analyse the integrated data flow and gain significant learnings to increase growth. Looking deeper into this growth, a new tool that has emerged and taken the world by force, is AI. It makes data analysis faster, more efficient, and grants Kinguin to produce accurate and detailed business forecasts. Implementing this, will also assist the company in being more agile and efficient. When the global pandemic gripped every industry worldwide a few years ago, Kinguin had to adapt quickly. Having this newfound corporate agility, the company was able to face the times head on. This flexibility allowed Kinguin to expand into a variety of internal improvements, including new training programs and expanded wellbeing schemes for employees. These had lasting effects on the overall company culture and workplace happiness whilst also succeeding in overcoming the business challenge.Kinguin identifies areas of improvement and actions them with a tailor made solution. The business support team's goal when approaching one of these areas is to, rather than find the locked door, look for a window. When this window of opportunity doesn’t exist, one needs to be created through innovation. These gaps are found through data analysis, compliance analysing framework of legal and operational compliance across all the regions we operate in, that has not only made them easier to locate, but easier to take action against as well. Kinguin is already a visionary leader, but to take that next step, the company needs to face each and every challenge with the right attitude and the right people. Shifting away from looking over project management, the company is focused on continuous growth and through that, an expansion of its workforce is required. It’s an ongoing process of implementing these changes, and with this wide array of people tackling this challenge, the variety of skills and experience in the team help make it a seamless process. There is a massive demand for change management solutions within the business that are required due to the company’s rapid growth, and Kinguin aims to meet this demand through a capable and burgeoning team of experienced project managers.10 years ago, Kinguin took the first step into the unknown and kick-started the industry. The fact that the company is a pioneer in the field, shows that these transformations have lasting effects not only on the business, but for our customers as well. The gaming industry is expanding rapidly, and innovations are cropping up constantly, meaning Kinguin need to keep digging and navigating into uncharted territory to stay ahead. Innovation is key, and with Kinguin’s ingenuity and goal driven mindset, we are focused on the future.
Read moreKinguin now offers over 150,000 products from games, in-game content, gift cards, software, to NFTsElden Ring, FIFA 23 and God of War tops the list of games sold in 2022Over the last 12 months, there have been 9.2m transactions on Kinguin’s marketplace, a 168% increase in the last 2 years69.4% of registered accounts belong to 18-34-year-oldsKinguin, the world’s first digital marketplace has today revealed its latest milestone of serving 15 million registered users on the platform worldwide, an increase of 50% since the end of 2020. The milestone is a reflection of the demand for players to purchase digitally and is signified by growth to over 150,000 digital offerings on the Kinguin digital and NFT marketplace.To celebrate the announcement of 15 million registered users, Kinguin has revealed insights into user preferences including:The top selling games of 2022 on the platform in order, led by; Elden Ring, FIFA 23, God of War, Ready or Not and Total War Warhammer III Location of users include 21.5% in Germany and 15.9% from USA with over 60% of total users from EuropeThe largest age group on the platform are 18-24 with registered users in this category equalling 42.4%, 27.0% between 25-34, 14.9% between 35-44 and 15.7% 45 and over.Data analytics from Newzoo via GI.biz for 2022 has revealed that total market revenues of digital games hit 94.2% compared to physical boxed products at 5.8% highlighting the importance of digital marketplaces in the gaming industry.Kinguin continues its exponential growth having launched its NFT marketplace in May 2022 and launched the first ever esports tournament bringing back legendary pro-players, Kinguin Legends. Kinguin also launched Kinguin Cares to support esports players and their families affected by the war in Ukraine, offering accommodation to Ukrainians and their families free of charge at the Kinguin Esports Performance Center (EPC) in Warsaw. To date, it has hosted almost 30 people, and its doors are still open to Ukrainian people in need of support.Robert Kalbarczyk, Chief Executive Officer at Kinguin said: “I would like to thank all our users around the world for their constant trust in Kinguin. 15 million milestone is amazing, especially with the 50% increase in users globally since 2021. That proves that our business is going in the right direction. Our vision is to be the world’s most open digital entertainment playground where everybody plays, and we truly mean it."For more information, please visit www.kinguin.net
Read moreIn 2022, 66 bootcamps and 20 special events were held at the Kinguin Esports Performance Center in Warsaw - the state-of-the-art esports training center for players and teams in Europe. Kinguin EPC is where the best teams in the world train to prepare for tournaments across key esports titles including Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, Dota 2, FIFA, Rocket League, Fortnite, VALORANT and Rainbow Six: Siege. 2022 in numbers:- Number of bootcamps: 66- Number of events: 20- Longest stays: Misfits Premier - 116 days, X7 - 88 days- The largest bootcamp: Seven Goats - 25 people- Guests who visited EPC the most: Anonymo (6 bootcamps), Imperial (5), NAVI Javelins (4)2022 was a thrilling year at the Kinguin Esports Performance Center being used by leading teams including;;Tundra Esports players, who in the following months won The Dota 2 International and FaZe Clan - winners of Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2022. The center was also visited by teams such as Imperial, Renegades, Team Falcons, MOUZ, AGO, OG, TYLOO, MIBR, NAVI, SKADE, Acend, Wisła Kraków, Anonymo, Excel, Exeed, TSM and Pasha Gaming Camp.Head of Kinguin Esports Performance Center, Paweł Książek stated: “The Kinguin Esports Performance Center was created with the best teams in the world in mind and last year showed the importance of the EPC to esports players and teams. It is an honor to host some of the biggest esports teams and legends including the winners of the most prestigious tournaments.”Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Kinguin has been actively helping people affected by the conflict. The Kinguin Esports Performance Center is open to all Ukrainian esports players and their families free of charge. To date, it has hosted almost 30 people, and its doors are still open to Ukrainian people in need of support.Kinguin EPC hosted 20 industry events in 2022 including;. SkillFactor, a talent show where young esports players competed against each other in CS:GO, Deluxe Ski Jump 2 tournament powered by Rockstar Energy Drinks, Esports Skills Camp, modern gaming colonies and practical classes in esports for the University of Physical Culture and Tourism in Pruszków. Other key events include; Intel Overclocking Masters, journalistic competitions in spinning processors, as well as broadcasts from Kinguin Legends, the world's first tournament featuring the biggest stars in the history of the CS:GO scene.
Read moreConsidering Kinguin is one of the largest online gaming marketplaces in the world, there is one key factor that has to be perfect - and that is the customer experience. Giovanni Varriale, Chief Product Officer, and his team have a key role in making sure that not only existing users are comfortable on the platform, but also that new customers are welcomed to a site that they can trust. We sat down with Giovanni and discussed the role, the importance of user experience and some key talking points around this topic - with the goal of getting an insight into how Kinguin adapts and evolves to meet the needs of the consumer. Giovanni is one of the most experienced Kinguiners in terms of his career at the organisation, having worked for Kinguin for 9 years. As the former Chief Marketing Officer and with experience in esports and gaming, he is able to call upon a wealth of knowledge that can help him make tough and informed decisions that benefit the user. His current role as Chief Product Officer entails overseeing all the products that Kinguin offers. This role is a mix of business, as well as development needs and requires multiple teams within the department to carry out the tasks effectively. Kinguin’s product team focuses on two main users when it comes to user experience, the B2C buyer, and the B2B seller. These two users have different needs and require different resources. One of the biggest factors when it comes to this work is that the needs are always bigger than the available resources. The overall platform framework for example, is inherently different for each user; with different features, design choices and integrations. Giovanni and his team need to navigate these needs, and find a way to solve the problem effectively in a way which benefits the target user.These issues must be overcome with innovation, as in the ecommerce industry, the user experience is key and is the main commodity. It’s the reason why people purchase and sell goods on their preferred platform. Do you require an account? Is the purchasing/selling process easy to understand? Are the goods/services easy to find on the website? Where do you place the login prompt during the purchasing process? All of these questions must be researched extensively to ensure that the approach that they take is the most effective one. To gather the information they need to make informed decisions, Giovanni and his team use analytical tools such as heatmaps with Hotjar, surveying, Google Recommendation AI and other CRM tools such as Synerise to track user behaviour and any trends on the platform. These external solutions allow Kinguin to identify key areas that can be improved upon, and make decisions on how to make it more efficient for the user. This efficiency is built through a well designed UI/UX - and Kinguin wants to make it so that users don’t have to think twice when it comes to using their platform. The more natural it feels to use the platform, the higher the customer retention. One of the tailored approaches and improvements the product team made is the master product page. It allows B2C users to easily find all content and editions of a title in one, easy-to-navigate webpage. For some titles, which have 20+ additional content packages, this feature is key for buyers, enabling them to find exactly what they want with ease. To implement this, the team not only had to research the UI and what the best way to present the goods was, but also how to adjust the back-end database to ensure that the filters and search function would operate correctly, whilst the system accurately locates and lists the correct products.Looking to the future, the world of potential products and the experience surrounding them at Kinguin seems to be expansive. Whether that be an increase in the ease of access for sellers to use Kinguin’s marketplace to promote and distribute their goods, or the introduction of Web 3.0, NFTs and Cryptocurrency. Giovanni and his team will be crafting a tailored approach to ensuring that the users are happy to use the platform.
Read moreDuring Black Friday Weekend we had an in-store activation with our partner CCC – a fashion company from Poland. There was a Black Friday ‘Week’ Booth in front of some CCC stores, which allowed customers to win special prizes. Kinguin provided vouchers and mascots for the winners. The activation was also supported by a dozen local influencers and was published by the local fashion media. Kinguin hit 100.000 transactions completed during Black Friday Weekend. The number, although wildly successful, brought a few challenges to our Customer Support and IT departments, due to high traffic on the platform. The teams managed it smoothly to ensure a top-notch customer experience with our brand. This is not the first time Kinguin has partnered with CCC. During the summer holidays Kinguin was supporting a gaming initiative from CCC. As part of the Game Garage Playoffs campaign, CCC invited all Club Members to meetings with well-known influencers. Gaming meetings took place in the 8 largest cities of Poland, attended by their brand ambassadors: rapper Smolasty, Kinga Sawczuk, Kaluch and gaming influencers such as: Junajted, Makito, Jcob, Izaak, Aquel, Nervarien or Lach. The activation was concluded with a Back-to-School event organized on the 9th of November. There were several gaming tournaments and a special concert by Smolasty.
Read moreWith Kinguin having a large international presence, the approach to marketing has to be tailored and thought out to ensure it encapsulates as many potential users as possible. This, paired with the fact that for Kinguin, marketing is one of the key building blocks to growth with the marketing team constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve their solutions. Valentin Houssais, Kinguin’s Chief Marketing Officer, and his team have been building a strong foundation for Kinguin to excel and are looking to the future for continuous growth.We took some time to discuss what marketing is for Kinguin, and how Valentin and his team not only surpass expectations, but how they deliver an effective marketing solution for Kinguin to succeed.Valentin has worked at Kinguin for over four years and with a refined international background and experience working in seven countries as of today, he’s well aware of the differences in cultures, personalities and industries. His role at Kinguin as the Chief Marketing Officer, and with experience in branding, esports, marketing and leadership, has brought his own spin to the marketing activities at Kinguin. He has been able to adapt his role to fit what was needed, and has become a facilitator for his team to learn and grow alongside him.As Kinguin is an e-commerce platform, marketing is key for the business to grow, and it’s also where the magic happens. Performance marketing is the foundation of Kinguin’s outreach - in a similar fashion to how a house needs a foundation before you can start building upwards. This year has been all about performance marketing and how the business can bring new users to the marketplace and help the platform grow. Once this foundation has been solidified, Valentin and his team can then dive into other methods of marketing - these include but aren’t limited to influencer outreach, social media, campaigns, events and much more. Kinguin has applied a variety of different solutions in the past with resounding success, and this arsenal is able to be called upon depending on what is most beneficial for the project.Kinguin operates in a massive international market, and has had to adjust accordingly when performing marketing campaigns. Valentin’s past experiences play a key role in being able to carry out bespoke initiatives that are suitable for each target audience. He ensures that the focus is on the different cultures and personalities present in the audience and their regional interests. One solution Valentin and his team are looking into is tailored solutions, for example, if you’re an avid PlayStation fan, you wouldn’t benefit from seeing Xbox advertisements. These areas the team are addressing will offer customers a bespoke solution that can involve local influencers and affiliations, and always focus on the convenience and satisfaction of the users in that region. When working towards new B2B partnerships, Valentin works alongside Partner & Chief of Business Development, David Yarnton and the business team at Kinguin. Over the last few years, Kinguin has bolstered their marketing expertise with brands such as PayPal, Revolut, Huawei and many more well known global brands. The current goal for 2023 is for Kinguin to carry out a global campaign that uses partnerships across the globe to help grow and nurture the business. Diving even further into the future goals of what Valentin is looking towards, Kinguin is looking at a soft rebrand, which will open lots of new opportunities and will allow new approaches to activations. This lands perfectly with the upcoming 10 year anniversary of Kinguin in 2023. With the success of Kinguin Legends, the team at Kinguin have been inspired and have exciting plans for the future. The team will also be focusing on improving the user experience, and in doing so, supporting gamers to have a great experience. There are no limits when it comes to the gaming community, and Kinguin are looking to support as many avid gamers as possible. With the variability of the global economy, everything is evolving at a rapid pace - this includes marketing. Kinguin are having to carry out more tailored and custom solutions than ever before, and it’s exciting to see, whether that be for NFTs, the Kinguinverse or so much more. These approaches can’t be taken lightly and the team at Kinguin knows this. With Valentin’s experience and skill set along with his divergent team, Kinguin can develop solutions and ensure that the foundations are built and the company is building upwards.
Read moreKinguin Prime Time Wrestling will for the first time ever introduce women, with stars including Xia Brookside, Myla Grace and Diana StrongKinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ will feature global wrestling stars including; Santino Marella, Joe Hendry, Matt Sydal and Trent SevenThe event will be broadcasted on DAZN, FITE, Wp.pl, Twitch, YouTube, and moreWarsaw, Poland, 24th November - Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling has today revealed details of its third show - Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling #3 ‘Legends’ which will take place in the Polish capital, Warsaw. Wrestling fans, who tune into the event, will be treated to thrilling fights from wrestling stars all over the world, including Xia Brookside, Myla Grace, Diana Strong, Santino Marella, Joe Hendry, Matt Sydal, Samuray Del Sol and Trent Seven. Fans can also attend live with ticket prices starting at 70 PLN (~ €13), and available to purchase online.The last Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling event, ‘ Ryucon’ was held in Krakow, Poland in July bringing widespread attention from the global wrestling community and continues forward to Poland’s capital city, Warsaw. You can expect more electrifying fights with three female superstars; Xia Brookside, Myla Grace and Diana Strong joining Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ for the first time in its history!Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ promises to be enthralling and offers viewers a tantalising event full of exciting fights with a No DQ Match featuring Axel Fox vs. Justin Joy, a Last Man Standing Match with “Starboy” Nano Lopez vs. Sinister and the main event of Samuray Del Sol vs Matt Sydal. To build up hype ahead of the event, on Friday, Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ contract signing ceremony takes place, during which the players will meet for the first time, sign the contract and start the face off which will be livestreamed to build up tension before the big day! You can find an exciting sneak peak of the gala with the upcoming trailer here.The event will also feature commentary in both Polish and English, with Arek Paterek, Lukasz Balinski and Piotr Malecki with guest commentators Pawel Borkowski and Polish wrestler and silver Olympic medalist of 1980, Andrew Supron. English commentators include legend Santino Marella, who was both the fighter and commentator in previous Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling editions, and Lewis Costello, a popular stand-up comedian and commentator.Arkadiusz Pan Pawłowski, Founder of Prime Time Wrestling said: “Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling is a dream come true for the performers, but most importantly the audience that loves sports entertainment in its purest form. Being a Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling fan doesn't mean just watching the show unfold but getting fully involved and becoming part of the experience!.Robert Kalbarczyk, Chief Executive Officer at Kinguin said: “We’re delighted to co-organise Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ for the third time in its impressive history. Wrestling was perceived as a niche sport in recent years, but with such events we hope to bring it to life here in Europe. We can’t wait to give the audience and fans a rousing event!The event will be live on Saturday, November 26 at 19:00 CET in Warsaw. Tickets can be bought here. The event will also be live streamed on DAZN, FITE, Wp.pl, YouTube, Twitch and more. You can find the full fight card below:Pure Gold vs. PAKA - Tag Team MatchPrimate vs. Marty ScurllMyla Grace vs. Xia Brookside vs. Diana Strong - Triple Threat MatchJustin Joy vs. Axel Fox - NO DQ MatchDawid "Puncher" Senko vs. Robert StarTrent Seven vs. Joe Hendry - Impact Digital Media Championship MatchNano Lopez vs. Sinister - Last Man Standing MatchMatt Sydal vs. Samuray Del SolYou learn more about Prime Time Wrestling on their Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. About Prime Time WrestlingPro wrestling is a wildly exciting discipline on the borderline of sports and entertainment, a show that involves the audience in fights of unique, distinctive, and charismatic characters who fight each other to the delight of fans. Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling is an approach to create a working wrestling show model that will be full of crazy stunts, powerful throws, unpredictable twists, and the plethora of stars known not only from the Polish arenas, but also the best promotions in the world.
Read moreKinguin is proud to announce the launch of Kinguin Deal Hunter, a global web-browser extension to compare prices of video games. Kinguin Deal Hunter is a breakthrough solution for customers who want to buy a game at a discounted price.What is Kinguin Deal Hunter?Kinguin Deal Hunter is the web-browser extension that allows you to compare prices of video games with Kinguin’s marketplace. The extension’s main purpose is to display Kinguin offers on gaming websites including Steam, EA, Epic Games Store and also on YouTube, next to gaming videos. This way the user can easily spot bargains for their favorite games and in doing so save money.Additional functions of Kinguin Deal Hunter include syncing the users’ Steam wishlist, easy access to the current preorders available at Kinguin marketplace as well as a gaming news feed hub. Which web-browsers are supported?Kinguin Deal Hunter is supported on many Chromium based browsers including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera and Brave while also compatible with Mozilla Firefox.It is also worth to mention that Kinguin Deal Hunter is available in YouTube. You will find the deals next to gaming videos. How do I get it?You can download the extension for your favorite browser using the links below: Google Chrome, Opera, Edge, and Brave and other Chromium based browsers: LINK Mozilla Firefox: LINKThe installation is simple, requiring just a click on the “Add-to (your browser)” button.Is it safe to use?Yes, Kinguin Deal Hunter has been approved by all the above-mentioned web browsers and it is officially listed on them. The main functioning of the extension does not use any other information than that which would normally be gathered when visiting a website. Two functions use specific user data; the Steam wishlist sync (profile ID provided by the user, profile avatar and wishlist data from Steam API) and the referral ID when you follow a link to the Kinguin website via the extension. There is no other tracking used by the extension.
Read moreKinguin has been able to grow its audience across the globe, but with this amazing expansion, comes a major challenge - ensuring customers can pay with their desired payment solution. With the rise of new payment options cropping up simultaneously in different countries, Kinguin has to ensure all bases are covered and pull out all the stops necessary to make sure that the customer’s purchasing experience is seamless. Faheem Bakshi, Payment Lead, and his team have weaved a web that encompasses over 150+ payment solutions and are looking to expand this even further.We sat down with Faheem and discussed his role within the team, how his experiences have shaped his approach to this key challenge, and how Kinguin is looking to enhance the international customer experience across its platform.Faheem joined Kinguin in 2015 firstly as a Senior Business Analyst and then as Head of Payments, tasked with developing Kinguin as a leader in accessibility to customers through all payment means. Faheem has come from a FinTech background with a major in economics and computer science along with previous experience at Microsoft and on the stock exchange. He has been truly enveloped in the financial technology industry. These experiences are key to the role that he plays within the team and allows him to thrive and adapt in the ever changing world of payments. The Payment Lead’s role is, in simple terms, to manage the payments on Kinguin’s marketplace - but this role is far from simple. With such a large international audience, each customer needs to have the ability to securely and comfortably pay for a product with their service of choice and this is where the challenge lies. Kinguin customers range in age, location along with many more variables, and for Kinguin to ensure that each and every customer is content with the service offering their trusted payment provider. This solution is to integrate as many trusted payment solutions as possible! Kinguin currently boasts over 150 different payment methods and we are looking to expand this to 200 by the end of 2022.Comparing a customer from Argentina to a customer from South Africa, two emerging markets for Kinguin, will provide insight into how tailored the solution needs to be. When a new customer is introduced to the marketplace, no matter where they are based, they need to see a payment method that is not only favoured for their region, but is also trusted and secure; an example of this is American Express for American customers, or Klarna for Scandinavian customers. Kinguin wants to ensure that every customer has full accessibility and feels secure with their purchases on the site, while at the same time, has a wide selection of choices available to them. To find upcoming payment solutions, Faheem and his team conduct market research in local and emerging markets, which include primary and secondary research methods; whether that is customer surveys, networking at industry events or researching the community online. This research is key for Kinguin, as it ensures that the onboarding process of monitoring each solution is a success. This ongoing monitoring requires account management on each payment solution, so Faheem and his team are constantly in contact with customer support representatives across the globe to manage the many solutions effectively.With all of these wide-array of solutions in place, Faheem also has to look to the future and to new market opportunities to decide what will be key moving forward. This key is Open Banking, a direct and instant version of payment, offering endless potential and modern security solutions when compared to traditional banking. This method bypasses third party intermediaries and allows users to transfer directly to each other with the click of a button. This market is slowly growing, with Polish payment system Blik being an amazing case study of the solution in action. Currently, open baking is limited to regional operations but in the next few years, this limitation will most likely be phased out. Pairing this with the fact that banks are currently cooperating with each other on backend API solutions to make the service even more secure, we’ll most likely be seeing more of this solution in the future - and when the time comes, Faheem and his team is ready to pioneer the future at Kinguin!
Read moreKinguin is an industry innovator in the discovery of new business ventures in the gaming and tech industry. Entry into the metaverse will be one of their latest endeavours. The metaverse is a fascinating topic for consumers and companies alike that is continuing to grab interest from around the globe. Kinguin is looking to the future to become a pioneer in the metaverse world with the ‘Kinguinverse’. Michał Kaczmarek, Partner & Chief Metaverse Officer, is captaining this venture and looking to plant the seeds of the Kinguinverse and to help foster its growth. We met with Michał to dive into how he envisions Kinguin’s new chapter, his experience with the metaverse, what it will look like and how Kinguin will use this new platform to expand their horizons and provide users with a whole new world of experiences. Michał joined Kinguin as Partner & Chief Metaverse Officer, where his job is to enable Kinguin to prepare and adapt to the imminent adoption of the metaverse across the industry and transform the company into a pioneer in this new technological field. He has experience in the Gaming and E-commerce industries from previous successful business ventures, and is very familiar with the Metaverse. He is looking forward to combining all his experience gained up until now and apply it to the ‘Kinguinverse’. To understand the metaverse, firstly we have to define it in layman’s terms, think of it as a persistent 3-dimensional digital world, where everything is connected together, accessible by everyone and where everything runs simultaneously in the same instance. We must think about it as what it will be, rather than what it is currently. The most ideal way to think about the technological growth needed for the metaverse would be like trying to explain games such as Roblox and Fortnite to somebody in 1995. The only difference between this example and the metaverse is that we know the metaverse is inevitable.For Kinguin, the goal is to introduce a ‘Kinguinverse’, that revolves around content - in a similar fashion to how Amazon attracts customers to their new platform by using Prime Video. The most important thing for us is to ensure that it’s user friendly - allowing them to consume the content they want in the easiest possible way, within the ecosystem. We will be using cutting edge technology to provide ownership to users in one colossal, united ecosystem. Ideally, users will have a single avatar that will maintain items, achievements and progression throughout the ecosystem. The Kinguinverse will offer a wide variety of apps and games that will be launched on their own platform - with a section where creative developers can build software from within the ecosystem and users can utilise these new community tools to interact with other users. These apps will also work across various platforms, from mobile to PC, and will entice casual and professional users alike, in the hope of attracting the maximum number of viewers. We want to provide users with ownership over their personas and any items and progression they have achieved, which will have a monetary value to each and every item. The ‘Kinguinverse’ will have its own economy connected to the main marketplace, allowing users to buy, sell and trade.We want Kinguin to be at the forefront, ready to take the jump into the metaverse. We’re perfectly positioned to be the glue of the metaverse when it starts being adopted by companies outside of the gaming ecosystem. We have already launched a Kinguin NFT marketplace and have been discussing how we can further provide not only a great user experience for our users, but also help our partners to utilise our platform to propel their own businesses. We’re ensuring that we are prepared for the inevitable integration of the metaverse, and are making sure that our players and clients will be able to count on us to assist them in navigating the revolutionary future of technology and what lies beyond!
Read moreKinguin is today unveiling MoonPay and Magic in Kinguin’s NFT Marketplace, providing users with a new payment gateway and crypto wallet with a more secure and seamless experience. The partnership with MoonPay and Magic will further improve Kinguin’s venture into the crypto space as part of their ambitions with the Kinguinverse.MoonPay is a payment gateway that allows users to transfer money between FIAT and crypto (ETH) - users will be able to exchange FIAT directly into Ethereum native coin and bridge these assets instantly and directly to Layer 2. Part of Magic’s implementation is their crypto wallet, that is compatible with all major blockchains and is simple and easy to register with - only needing an email address and not requiring users to have any prior knowledge of cryptocurrencies. Magic’s crypto wallet is secure and non-custodial with passwordless authentication making the user experience secure and even more fluid. These two solutions are provided through the IMX blockchain infrastructure, the leading Layer 2 infrastructure built on Ethereum and allowing users to buy and sell NFTs. Kinguin’s use of the IMX infrastructure will provide a decentralised marketplace, ensuring that users have no further fees on their transactions. The IMX infrastructure offers a carbon neutral marketplace supporting global decarbonisation goals. “Kinguin is constantly looking for solutions to bring closer and facilitate users to the subject of NFTs. Our recent partnership with IMX and the ongoing integration of top, proven and professional solutions on the market such as MoonPay and Magic will allow all users to take full advantage of the NFT marketplace. I am absolutely thrilled about allowing non-crypto users the possibility to jump into the NFT world without technical limitations compromising their exploration of technology of the future.” said Joanna Krupińska NFT Product Owner at Kinguin. About MoonPayMoonPay is a financial technology company that builds payments infrastructure for crypto. Its on-and-off-ramp suite of products provides a seamless experience for converting between fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies using all major payment methods including debit and credit cards, local bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. MoonPay is active in more than 160 countries and is trusted by 250+ leading wallets, websites, and applications to accept payments and defeat fraud.For more information visit: https://www.moonpay.com/ About Magic LabsFounded in 2018, Magic Labs, formerly known as Fortmatic, is a Silicon Valley based tech start-up that specialises in passwordless authentication and private key management. Web2 and Web3 applications powered by Magic are being used by millions of users worldwide. Magic’s mission is to safeguard the trust between users and internet services by establishing secure and authentic digital identity. In addition to offering enterprise-grade security, Magic has received SOC 2 Type 2, GDPR and CCPA compliance certificates. Magic is backed by top VCs, such as Tiger Global, Northzone, Lightspeed Ventures, Social Capital, etc. as well as renowned angel investors, such as Alexis Ohanian (co-founder of Reddit), Balaji Srinivasan (ex-CTO at Coinbase), Naval Ravikant (co-founder of AngelList), Jason Warner (CTO of GitHub), Ryan Hoover (Founder of Product Hunt) and more.Follow Magic at www.magic.link, Twitter, Discord, LinkedIn, YouTube.
Read moreKinguin is one of the biggest gaming ecommerce markets in the world, with over 95,000 games and software products available on its website. Artur Żarko is Kinguin’s VP of Commercial and together with his team he is building long-term international partnerships with ecommerce businesses’ across the globe, ensuring that Kinguin is able to supply and sell its products in a wide range of international markets. It is through these partnerships that Kinguin is able to create strong supply chain networks for the digital goods on its platform, opening up revenue streams and further expanding access to promising markets. We sat down with Artur to discuss how Kinguin uses innovative API integrations to its advantage and how his team uses traditional relationships building methods to ensure that Kinguin is able to onboard and retain clients for the long-term.Something that I’m incredibly proud of at Kinguin is the sheer volume of choice that we offer to our customers. We stock an incredible variety of products and are always looking for ways to innovate and expand our offerings, such as bringing our clients cutting-edge options that they can use to populate their own storefronts. This is one of the many reasons that we’ve been able to build such a strong international network of partners, improving our distribution networks and greatly improving our revenue streams. It is absolutely critical for Kinguin that we onboard and retain as many partner businesses as we can, and whilst our product portfolio is able to give us a significant advantage, my team and I believe that a key factor in securing business is through fostering relationships - both offline and online. By taking the time to meet our partners in person, we are able to build relationships founded in mutual trust and respect, allowing us to better illustrate the strengths of our distribution channels and better understand customer needs. We are able to follow this up with industry leading customer support channels, ensuring that our partners are able to receive online help and counsel when dealing with any of our products that they use in their storefronts.Another key way in which we ensure we meet our clients demands is through the use of our many application programming interface (API) solutions. In a world where customers expect instant gratification, we need to have the tools available to be able to automatically supply and distribute digital goods to our partner’s storefronts. Recently we were asked by over 5000 of our existing and prospective clients to integrate the WooCommerce API Plug-In to the Kinguin Marketplace. We immediately began the process of implementing this service, greatly improving the range of clients we appeal to but also setting up Kinguin for mass market ecommerce success. We are also taking steps to integrate the Shopify API Plug-In which will be ready to use by the end of 2022, effectively offering Kinguin customers access to the two most commonly used ecommerce API Plug-In’s in the world, greatly expanding the utility of our marketplace and offering our customers more ways to automate their stock supplies. It is the combination of our customer service, relationship management, and innovative API technologies that we are able to onboard and retain a global portfolio of partners.We also recently launched our Kinguin NFT Marketplace which has greatly expanded the range of digital products that we have been able to offer to prospective customers. Many of our current partners have been greatly interested in NFTs and have discussed how they can utilise the products on our marketplace to help propel their own businesses into a web 3.0 future. As we continue to innovate and future-proof our product offerings, we set ourselves up as an ecommerce business equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities that web 3.0 will bring. I firmly believe that the steps Kinguin is taking now as a business, including immersing ourselves in the metaverse and world of NFTs, will pay off in huge volumes in the years to come. By preempting market demands, and ultimately client needs, we can cement ourselves as an ecommerce industry leader that can not only provide high quality service to our customers, but also be the access point for the future of online retail.
Read moreIn May, Kinguin launched their NFT Marketplace, offering its customers an entirely new range of products and positioning Kinguin as a company building for an NFT and Web3 future. Krzysztof Pająk, Technical Leader at Kinguin, who was responsible for developing and implementing the Kinguin NFT Marketplace. In just three months, Kryzsztof and his team were able to work with Immutable X to take the Kinguin NFT Marketplace from an idea, to full-scale implementation. Throughout the development process, Krzysztof placed great emphasis on the importance of awareness as a team leader. Being tuned in to both his teams, and the wider Kinguin companies' activities, allowed him to effectively manage and upskill his colleagues, as they tackled the challenges that came with the implementation of the Kinguin NFT Marketplace. We sat down with Krzysztof to chat about the project, its challenges, and the long term advantages both his team and Kinguin will benefit from.I was initially briefed on the Kinguin NFT Marketplace idea in March 2021. We had just begun our conversations with Immutable X and the reality of a fully implemented Kinguin NFT Marketplace was still a long way down the line. It wasn’t until February 2022 that we were asked to begin the process of building a fully functional NFT marketplace. Throughout the three month implementation process I was able to significantly grow my team, starting with a few in-house developers, and ending with a fully capable blockchain development department.When we began the project, we entered into a series of calls with our partner Immutable X. Our team had very little experience developing on the blockchain and almost no experience of dealing with layer 2 protocols. Immutable X was able to provide us with ready-to-use API solutions, a full Software Development Kit (SDK) and a suite of fantastic documentation that allowed us to effectively and efficiently implement their system to our Marketplace. Parallel to the development benefits of our partnership, Immutable X also enabled us to list NFT’s from popular blockchain games such as Gods Unchained. The future of gaming is decentralization, and games such as Gods Unchained give the players the ability to genuinely own items and products from within a game that they can sell or trade, like any other asset. Kinguin has always been a future-focused company, looking forward to what is next, rather than catching up with what has already been, and the NFT marketplace is a great example of how we are preparing for the Web3 future and beyond.Despite the excellent support we received from Immutable X, there were many challenges throughout the development process; most notably team capacity and baseline knowledge of both first and second layer blockchain solutions. In order to effectively tackle the problem and deliver the completed product on time, we onboarded additional team members quickly and collectively researched and upskilled each other when it came to handling the 2nd layer protocols we were less familiar with. I believe our collective awareness, of not only our strengths and weaknesses but also the gaps in our knowledge, allowed us to quickly and effectively source solutions to problems we had never encountered before. Throughout the development process, my team and I were able to learn a whole suite of new skills, effectively equipping us to manage any future blockchain related demands that Kinguin may face. As I reflect on the completed project, I also reflect on how we adjusted our development goals to better focus our efforts. At the start of the project we had a single goal in mind - to finish the integration of the marketplace in time. However, as we began to problem solve and discuss implementation of the project, we also began to think about the marketplace in terms of ‘customer stories’ - i.e. the different ways in which our customers would be able to interact with the marketplace. In total we had 14 different ‘user stories’ to make a reality, and our goals were to ensure that the customer could follow any one of those 14 scenarios by the time we were ready to go live with the integration. By thinking about the implementation in terms of how our customers would experience the product, and how each of these scenarios would provide value to our customers, we were able to focus our efforts and solve problems more effectively to ensure we met the tight deadline. I think this reflects Kinguin’s wider attitude to customer service and showcases how we develop and implement ideas with the customer’s experience a priority.I am extremely proud of my team and what we were able to accomplish in such a short time frame. By analyzing problems with a customer-first approach and having the awareness as a team to collectively support and upskill each other we were effectively able to future proof our development skills and support Kinguin on its journey into the NFT industry. As Kinguin begins to develop more products and initiatives in this area, I believe we will truly be able to build something special and unique for our customers, which is really exciting for everyone at Kinguin. The completion of the Kinguin NFT Marketplace firmly plants our stake as a key player in the future of Web3 ecommerce and as we continue to develop and grow, our position will only get stronger.
Read moreIn 2015, Michał Figas joined Kinguin’s customer service team and since then, they have gone from strength to strength in terms of innovation and motivation. Now as the Vice President of Customer Service & Fraud Risk Management, he has clearly defined a customer service strategy which puts the Kinguin customer front and centre. We sat down with Michał so we could learn more about his top priorities when it comes to customer satisfaction, his thoughts on the integration of top tech and his passion for team development.Many people may look at my job title and think my responsibilities are opposing, but they are actually more similar than not. In fact, building a structure where fraud risk management sits beside customer service has delivered increased customer satisfaction and safety - the holy grail for any customer service team!Customer satisfaction A key part of our success has come from the fact that we have cemented a simple ethos towards customer service - treat them how you would like to be treated. At the end of the day, we have all been customers, so we all have expectations. Ultimately, our goal is to go the extra mile for every Kinguin customer and make them feel valued and listened to. For this to work, we have set in stone some key non-negotiables. In 2017, the golden standard for responding to customers was between 24 and 48 hours, but times have changed, and customers are constantly expecting more. There is now a small window before they turn to social media so, with this in mind, we aim to reply to all cases in less than 24 hours. But whilst prioritising waiting times is very important to our customers, we have also put a lot of emphasis on personalising messages. Giving our customers a choice is also important, so we offer multiple routes to resolving their issues. We have extensive FAQs that can be easily accessed through our website but, if after reading them, a customer still cannot find the answer to their question they can contact us through our chatbot. Each month we accommodate around 7,000 chats and over 50% of these are resolved then and there.Tech innovation Using advanced technology is a priority because it does improve the customer experience. In late 2020, for example, we introduced Zendesk - a complete customer service software solution. This adds value to our customer relationships by helping us personalise interactions. Another bonus is that it is integrated with our own software and this means we can adapt much more quickly to our customer’s needs. We also continuously review our internal process - particularly as we have, in the past, come under fire for not authenticating gaming keys properly. With an increasing number of people shopping online there has been a dramatic rise in fraud and scam complaints and we need to make sure we are protecting our customers. With tech investment we have reduced our fraud rate to 0.42%, but we want to take it one step further and introduce Shufti Pro, an API based identity Verification solution. This will help us increase conversions, reduce chargebacks and deter fraudulent attempts. And finally, look out for our natural language processing - this will give our chatbots the ability to understand human language as it is spoken and written.The teamNone of this growth or innovation would however be possible if it was not for my team who are the face of Kinguin, and visible at every touchpoint. This is why I am passionate about investing in the right people, including hiring students straight from University because they are often motivated to grow. And what I love most about my team (and what I am looking for in every potential new recruit) is humility. Also, as long as people have the heart for the work they do, they will always convey this passion to our customers, and that is what will lead to them having a positive interaction with Kinguin. Then via thorough training and support, from the more experienced Kinguiners, we will be able to strengthen the team even further.That said, we are not resting on our laurels - the world of ecommerce is competitive. So, we actively encourage our customers to leave honest feedback on Trustpilot. We believe this helps us work out where we are going wrong so we can put in place plans to counteract issues and improve. I believe we have the best group of customer specialists and I am determined to ensure that continues.
Read moreThese days selling products online is the most convenient way of doing business. It can be done even easier and more efficiently by using dedicated plug-ins. Plug-in is a software component that adds a specific feature to an existing computer program. This is a part of a software that enhances features and expands services, functions and capabilities of an existing application. Main purpose of using plug-ins is to create more tools and features within your application. It is important to know why a plug-in is needed in your existing application. Basically, it is used for:categorising products, setting and customising themes, analyse statistics, payment systems, system integration,customer support features. What are the types of plug-ins?We can distinguish free and paid plug-ins. It is important to check if the plug-in is ready to be used from day one and does not require additional software. What is more, always check if you receive dedicated support for the plug-in integration. That is crucial to fully utilise its functionality from the very first moment. There are many types of plug-ins available on the internet. In this article, we will focus on free plug-in for online stores. Why are plug-ins so popular?The usage of plug-ins is an increasingly common practice nowadays in business, especially those, which are based on open source solutions. The advantage of it is the ability to select functionalities desired by the user. By using plug-ins you do not need to code things manually and hire dedicated people for your IT department. In practice, this enables people who do not have programming skills to use advanced, professional software and personalised features.Plug-ins usage in dropshipping:In online sales, plug-ins are often used for dropshipping. Dropshipping, is a form of retail business, wherein the seller accepts customer orders, but does not keep goods sold in stock. It is one of the most convenient methods of online selling, because it does not require your financial contribution and space to store products. With a good idea, you can start selling without a financial contribution and develop your business in a dropshipping model.Kinguin allows you to use such a selling method. You can import stock from a seller, display and sell it as yours in your online store. Many sellers find such a method very convenient, because everyone can earn from it and together develop their business. For that reason numerous companies create plug-ins to help other users establish or evolve their business faster.Free Kinguin WooCommerce plug-in:Kinguin created a free of charge plug-in for its customers, called Kinguin API for WooCommerce. WooCommerce is a customizable, open-source eCommerce platform built on WordPress. It is designed for small to large-sized online merchants using WordPress. It is the most popular online selling system, which supports over 5 million online stores around the world. You can download our free plug-in here: https://wordpress.org/plugins/kinguin/#description. That will allow you to import over 70,000 digital products to your online store, from video games to computer software and services. You will get instant access to: game keys for numerous platforms, including Steam, Origin, Uplay or GOG. Gift cards for popular CS:GO stores, including Gamdom, DuelBits or CSGO EmpireComputer software, including Windows, Antivirus or security software How can you integrate your store with Kinguin’s plug-in?Below is the 4-steps instruction of how you can use Kinguin’s plug-in and start selling over 70,000 products directly through your online store:1. Installing plug-in and linking accounts:First of all you need to create an account and submit an application form via Kinguin integration website: https://www.kinguin.net/integration (Kinguin API dashboard)Now, you need a working WooCommerce system set up on the server. If you do not have a WooCommerce (free of charge) set yet, please check this website: https://woocommerce.com/Please download and install the plug-in for Kinguin API in WooCommerce: https://wordpress.org/plugins/kinguin/#description After the plug-in is installed, you are able to see it in the WordPress administration panel. Click on it and go to the settings tab.In the plug-in settings, you will be asked to provide more details, which you can find in your account in the Kinguin API dashboard.You will be asked to enter an API key* and select the environment you want to work on. Kinguin offers two environments - production and sandbox. Production is the main sales platform where real transactions take place. On the sandbox, you can test the operation of the system and place virtual orders. The link to the sandbox is available at this stage of the plug-in's settings. 2. Receiving the API key:Once your application is approved, you can now login.After that please select the "my stores" tab and then create a new store.After creating the store, you will see your API key. Please copy it and paste to the plug-in settings in WooCommerce.Please remember not to share your API key with anyone. 3. Webhooks set up:After downloading the API key, click the "webhooks" button in the upper right corner. Here, by using the data from the plug-in settings, please fill out the following fields: PRODUCT UPDATE, ORDER COMPLETE, ORDER STATUS CHANGE.And then please follow the instructions. Save the changes and proceed. 4. Importing productsPlease go to the plug-in tab called "import products".You should see the "import" button. Click on it and wait for all the products to be imported to your store. Do not close the browser tab until the import is completed.After the download is completed, you can manage the products in the "products" tab in your WooCommerce. If you need any support, please feel free to contact us:api.team@kinguin.ioUseful links:https://www.kinguin.net/integrationhttps://www.sandbox.kinguin.net/integrationhttps://github.com/kinguinltdhk/Kinguin-eCommerce-APIAPI key* - the key of the application programming interface, is a piece of software code. Most often it is in the form of a generated string. It allows you to identify the user or machine that is triggering the communication.WARNING: Never share your API key with anyone!Webhooks** - are the events that trigger some actions. In most cases, they are used for communication between systems. This is the easiest way to get an alert when something happens in another system. They are called webhooks because they act as software hooked up on the network.
Read moreIn 2020 Natalia Szepelowska was announced as Kinguin’s Head of People and since then she has spearheaded the charge to ensure smooth people-related operations - whether it is employee satisfaction or driving recruitment. As a psychologist and cognitive scientist, she combines her passion for getting to know people, their potential and their struggles, with her ability to deliver pathways to personal goals and company growth. We sat down with Natalia where she described the employee culture at Kinguin and the company’s new recruitment aspirations.As Head of People, I recognise that Kinguiners will always be our greatest asset and our top priority. I knew from the beginning that we needed to create a company culture that allows them to have a voice to show them we cared. So, that is exactly what we are doing. We are building a culture centred around caring for our employees, which we believe can enable them to thrive, develop and progress during their time at Kinguin.Our culture is integral to us, and it is how we measure whether candidates would be a good fit for Kinguin. During any interview, no matter your level, care always sits front and centre. In a world where empathy is increasingly paramount, it has become a standout principle by which we measure both potential candidates and our existing team. Take the last two years for example. From clearly communicating our company policy which strongly recommended all Kinguiners to work from home, to moving a majority of the meetings online, to distributing home-office set-ups, to ensuring job security, we were able to successfully help all of our employees through the pandemic - we are extremely proud of this.More recently, we have introduced new internal initiatives to encourage employee retention, satisfaction and progression. One being our team player of the quarter initiative, which rewards three employees who demonstrate a hands-on approach to sharing their knowledge and supporting others, with winners receiving a gift of their choice. This year, we also established ‘Kinguiners’ Day’ to highlight the company’s appreciation for all our employees' hard work. The day was filled with special gifts and a personal video from executives and team leaders praising Kinguiners for their ongoing dedication to the company. We thrive off making each employee feel valued and reward those who are excelling - so, keep up the good work Kinguiners!But we have also expanded our duty of care to help those outside the company. The world has been touched by what’s been happening in Ukraine and as their neighbours, we are passionate about doing our part. So, as soon as the crisis began, we not only opened up the Kinguin Esports Performance Centre for all Ukrainian esports players and their families free of charge, but also welcomed Ukrainian families into our Polish offices. Even though our capacity is limited, we are working tirelessly to accommodate every single guest. It is clear for us to care for those in need, and we will continue to explore ways to provide ongoing support. Another example of a programme we created was Kinguin Cares, and a key part of this project focused on supporting children in orphanages across Poland. Last year we provided next generation consoles and games to more than 650 children. In July, we also invited the children back to attend educational webinars led by well-known Polish influencers - Luure, Nieuczesana, Popo and Fanaberry - to give them an insight into potential gaming career opportunities. To finish off the programme, we organised an event at the Kinguin Esports Lounge in Gdańsk with special prizes for all the children.I feel very passionate about shining a light on our internal and external initiatives because they define our company and people - it is one of the reasons Kinguin is a great place to work. Another reason is because we have a progressive and entrepreneurial spirit - we want to give everyone who works for us the support they need to reach their goals. I am one example of someone who has been able to grow - moving from HR & Education specialist to Head of People in just four years. You can find many similar stories across the company!And all of this is important in a year when we, as a company, have some big ambitions. Due to continued growth, we want to increase our personnel by 40%. So, if you have big aspirations and believe you embody Kinguin’s company culture, check out our recruitment page - we have multiple vacancies open.
Read moreRobert Kalbarczyk is the second of three employees to take up the acting CEO position and, while he has only been in the role for a month, he has already set out the leader he wants to be - an approachable and adaptable CEO who has the ability to build a high performing team that delivers results. Robert has a wealth of experience as an entrepreneur, investor, start-up leader and management board advisor. This, alongside his business development background, means he is able to develop solutions that will grow revenue streams and inevitably make a huge influence at Kinguin. We found time to chat with Robert where he told us about his personal Kinguin journey, how he plans to nurture a people-first culture and his strategy for making an impact on the business. When joining the company in 2018 I instantly realised that the beauty of Kinguin lies in every employee being free to be themselves and to contribute to the business. Sometimes it drives me crazy, in a good way, just thinking about the huge potential yet to be unlocked. It’s why I'm looking forward to the next stage of my journey with Kinguin so much. My time has been full of notable moments, many of them learning curves. One which sticks out was two years ago during a period which offered many internal challenges to the company’s cash flow. Then the pandemic hit and people turned to video games and we saw an opportunity to reverse our fortunes. Our team really pulled together - they demonstrated belief, passion and a work ethic I’ve not seen anywhere else. We ignited the fire that grew the business to where it is today - and I’m proud to be part of a team that didn’t give up. When Kinguin Founder, Viktor Romaniuk Wanli, asked me to take on the acting CEO role alongside Brandon Doerfler and Adam Gruda, I knew my first priority was our people, they are the most important layer of our business. As Brandon previously highlighted, they are our greatest assets and advocates, and while he has already cemented a solid people-first philosophy, I want to put my own stamp on it. From my perspective, personal development has to come front and centre. I want to work closely with our employees and encourage them to take ownership of their own goal setting. This is how we will lead them down a path to becoming the best versions of themselves, which will inevitably make Kinguin the best it can be. This links closely to my other priority - considering ways we can impact the business. As a team, we need to be aligned in our strategy and goals. And to do this, our employees must understand the bigger Kinguin picture and specifically, how they can add value. In my experience, people in leadership roles talk about inspiring their workforce and I buy into that, but without context it serves no purpose. So, with that in mind we now hold weekly meetings where we present top-level strategy decisions to the entire company. This keeps everyone in the loop, and also gives them a voice. Two-way communication is crucial to any successful company, and our people are game changers - they will always come armed with solutions and valuable insights to help with growth and cash flow. 2022 will be the year of personal growth and company success for Kinguin - it’s all about achieving clarity in goals and traceability of impact. But for this to be successful, it will be my job to remove any obstacles on our way to excellence. It may only have been one month since I took on this role, but I look forward to carrying these insights, and the Kinguiners, into the next chapter with me.
Read moreIt was only at the beginning of this year that Marek Fila was announced as Kinguin’s new CTO. He brings a wealth of tech knowledge to the role following 26 years at companies such as RBS, Samsung, the US Lionbridge and Cisco. Taking this position gives Marek the opportunity to put his existing tech prowess to work to help Kinguin reach their aspirations of an advanced tech company. Marek is looking forward to the challenge - he feels he can bridge the gap between tech and business and he’s looking forward to being a more open and transparent leader at Kinguin. We found time to chat with Marek where he told us about Kinguin’s tech potential as well as his top priorities coming into the role. As soon as I was approached I knew the role of Kinguin’s CTO was perfect for me. For my next move I wanted to work for a cloud based modern tech company and Kinguin stood out from the crowd. Already making technological advancements by implementing NFTs and Google Recommendations AI to their market leading website, it was their bold decision to transition from Magento, an open-source ecommerce platform, to their own marketplace engine which drew me in. It highlighted their true potential.By using their own marketplace engine, Kinguin can meet additional business requirements, deploy digital products much quicker and provide implementations in single actions. As a result, its platform is more agile, flexible and efficient. And in a competitive market it’s all about being first - ultimately, if you’re first to market then you’re perceived a winner and Kinguin has become a standout leader. But what really differentiates us from our competitors is that Kinguin is dedicated to creating customised solutions and facilitating end to end services to all forms of businesses. We recognise every business is important, regardless of size - after all, big business has to start somewhere. Our tech helps these small businesses thrive by providing them with the engine and services to do so. As a global digital ecommerce platform, our customers are all over the world, but what our tech offers merchants is the agility and ability to connect their products with anybody, anywhere, in the knowledge that their transactions are in safe hands.Heading into this role it’s all been about where I can add the most value. From my perspective, it’s important for us to connect with more merchants, to create new diverse offerings and improve our customer’s purchasing experience, such as linking recommendations to customers, based on their interests and history of purchases. I am also keen to explore customisation for specific countries. This means we need to build an IT architecture that can compete and adapt to a rapidly moving environment. Speaking of the environment, a long term proposition for Kinguin’s tech is to go green. By presiding in the clouds, we can alleviate processing delays and easily scale up or scale down to meet demand - this makes us cost effective as well as environmentally friendly! We can become pioneers in the market by using the newest, most efficient technology including the latest AI tech and Google tools to reduce our footprint. This is why one of the first decisions I’ve made is to completely shut down Magento by the middle of the year. Watch this green space!While it’s essential to make these changes for our partners and our customers, it’s equally important to bring our people on the journey with us - they need to be fully engaged with our vision. With this in mind, we’re educating our employees on our tech capabilities. But to achieve our goals we also need to recruit talent - people who can support our ambitions to scale up. This means we also have to consider how we tell our story to the wider world - and that’s something we’re working on and why I feel passionate about being the bridge between the business and the tech.While I’m only a month into the role, things are moving quickly. I genuinely believe we’re on the right track to becoming an advanced tech company of the future!
Read moreTrustly is a global leader in online payments and is now available in the Kinguin checkout. With Kinguin’s mission to enhance gamers’ experiences anywhere and anytime, Trustly offers Kinguin shoppers a fast, easy, and secure way to purchase their favourite games using just their fingerprint or Face ID. You don’t need to pre-register or sign up for anything. You also don’t need to download any other apps. All you need is what you already have: your online bank account, your device, and your biometrics (fingerprint or Face ID). Paying with Trustly is a very quick, very hassle-free experience. It’s optimised for use on mobile devices and is always free to use.How to pay with Trustly?Select Trustly in the checkout when you’re ready to pay.Select your bank, log in and choose an account to pay from.Confirm your payment with your preferred authentication methodFast purchases. Fast refunds.With the speed and ease at which Trustly settles your payment so you can enjoy your goods in no time – sometimes you’ll need to return your purchases for whatever reason. With Trustly, refunds settle back into your account instantly. Giving you the power and freedom to spend your money the way you see fit.Born in Sweden and now available in over 30 countries, Trustly is a licensed payment institution authorised and supervised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. It holds a European Payment Services Provider (PSP) license in accordance with the Payment Services Directive (PSD, 2007/64/EC) and directive (EU) 2015/2366 on payment services (PSD2). Trustly never stores any information that can be used to access your bank account. It uses the highest encryption standard available, in addition to the banks' security system.Kinguin has more than 10 million registered users and with Trustly in the Kinguin store checkout, you can be assured of an even better user experience with a faster, easier way to enjoy your new gaming purchases.
Read moreMichał Gębski, Regional Country Manager at Kinguin, has a huge passion for video games, which all started when he received his first PC, the Atari XL, at eight years of age. Coupling this love of gaming with his ambitious nature, Michał became a competitive gamer, initially battling in Starcraft, before moving into Rainbow 6 and GS:GO. This experience means he understands the importance of needing a place to train before major tournaments and he’s used that experience to ensure that Kinguin Esports Performance Center (EPC) has become that perfect place for teams and players to hone their skills because of its holistic infrastructure and ability to put players' needs front and center.Michał has worked at Kinguin for six years now, playing a vital role in evolving the EPC into the world class facility it is today. We sat down with Michał to ask him about his rich history in the professional esports world and to find out more about Kinguin’s EPC, as well as his aspirations for its future.Back in 2017 I joined Team Kinguin as a PR Manager, where I very quickly realised that the best thing about working here is that you have a lot of autonomy. This is where I saw my chance. There were so many new business opportunities for Kinguin to explore and tap into, and when I outlined these to my Senior Managers, they were not only excited, but also helped me adapt my role to make my visions for the company possible. What I didn’t know then was that this was only the beginning of my journey at Kinguin.After this, my next challenge at Kinguin was to manage and grow the EPC itself. As a team, we built Kinguin’s EPC from scratch, making it one of the first professional facilities for esports teams and the industry in Europe - something I’m very proud of. My competitive gaming background made this a passionate venture for me. It allowed me to share insights and knowledge into what teams really need - an all encompassing esports training center.And that’s what we accomplished! Our EPC, which is based in Warsaw, offers the best-in-class facilities and provides teams with unlimited access to training and analyst rooms, streaming opportunities, accommodation, massage room with professional physios, a gym, psychologists on hand and even professional chefs. This goes far beyond just a bootcamp; a professional sport - or esport - requires a professional lifestyle.Brandon Doerfler, Kinguin’s first acting CEO, recently spoke about his people first philosophy which resonates so well with what we’re doing here at the EPC. People really are our greatest assets and without them, our EPC wouldn’t be the world class facility it is today. Our team truly does go the extra mile. Take for example our newest team member, the concierge, who watches all the games and if they see that you’re still conquering enemies then don’t worry, they’ll reschedule your dinner! It’s that kind of enthusiasm and passion that really helps Kinguin’s EPC stand above the rest. The first team to put our facilities to the test were the Australian Renegades who originally came for a whistlestop bootcamp. Nine months down the line and they were still here! This said it all, proving that these facilities were needed in the industry. From the beginning of last year, the EPC was visited by world-leading esports organisations such as OG, FaZe Clan, Team Vitality, MiBR, Evil Geniuses, 100 Thieves, Furia and many others.In terms of future aspirations, we have many. The EPC has already established itself as a leading facility within the industry, but as the teams who come to train at our facilities will know, it's all about how to stay on top. One of our ideas is to create our very own Mind Hub. Designed for professional and semi-professional players, it will be made up of three key pillars. These include: Performance - consisting of 23 clinical-grade cognitive tests prepared by professional scientists and created specifically for esports professionals. Each test will focus on fundamental cognitive skills, including short-term memory and spatial perception.Psychology - a comprehensive psychological assessment based on 35 years of research in professional sport but modified for esports. The assessment will evaluate players’ psychological and social functioning and focuses on 12 intangible performance traits crucial for any esport athlete.Medical - a list of biomedical tests designed by doctors for pro-gamers. This medical checkup will be focused on blood, kidney, liver, inflammatory and hormonal functioning and will enable us to detect whether players are suffering from any medical issues, such as dehydration, excessive stress, cardiovascular problems, liver problems and much more. Putting this analysis together will provide an all encompassing report which will let teams and players know their current performance status, as well as their true potential. If implemented properly by teams, it would be a huge step towards further professionalising esports.I’m excited to continue leading and pushing boundaries with this exciting venture for Kinguin. We’ll continue to make our state of the art facilities even better - Kinguin Esports Performance Center is where future champions are born - watch this space!
Read moreDid you know that if you have online store, blog, website or affiliate services, you can easily expand it to sell digital products using API integration with Kinguin?API (Application Programming Interface) is a software intermediary that allows two applications to ‘talk to each other’. It connects computers or computer programs. The term API may refer either to the specification or to the implementation. Application programming interface, contrary to user interface, connects computers or pieces of software to each other. API is not intended to be used by end users, it is a tool for computer programmers, who are linking different software systems.In terms of ecommerce API allows linking two different online stores and sharing the product base from one to another.How does the Kinguin API work?Kinguin API for eCommerce is a digital key distribution system, which links Kinguin’s marketplace database with an external online store. It enables online stores, blogs, information websites, affiliate services and all entrepreneurs operating on the Internet to expand their businesses, utilizing the potential of the gaming industry. They can import Kinguin’s stock to their website and sell products automatically, risk free and without buying products in advance.When you connect with Kinguin’s API you are instantly getting access to over 50,000 unique digital products available at Kinguin.net. Kinguin Integration is a ready-to-use web service, available at Kinguin.net marketplace (www.kinguin.net/integration). What is the purchase process with API?When a visitor of your website selects a product and completes the transaction, the automatic API system will submit a query to Kinguin’s database. The key will be delivered instantly to your system, and then the client will receive it. The entire process takes a few seconds and your client can enjoy the new game at a low price!One of the biggest advantages of the KinguinAPI system is that you don't have to pay in advance for the products. Kinguin charges your Kinguin eurBalance account only when your customer buys the product and the purchase is finalized. Kinguin offers dedicated Customer Service support which is available 24 hours, 7 days per week. If your client has any issues with the key, they can contact our Customer Service. With that you don’t need your own Customer Service and you can significantly reduce the cost of your business. How to start using Kinguin’s API?ApplicationIn order to start you should create an Account here: kinguin.net/integration and provide all the necessary information to be verified and to generate an API access key.Then just apply for access by clicking the "Start Earning" button, and wait for the application to be processed. To log into the panel, it is required to use Kinguin ID credentials. If you don’t have them, a new account is being created. After successful verification, the access is granted. Store VerificationNow you are able to log into the panel and go to the “My Stores” tab. Here you should create a new store, which will be representing your online store in the panel.. In this step your unique API key will be generated. Remember to save it, it will be needed later during the integration process.Store IntegrationWe offer professional technical support throughout the integration process. After your application is approved, a delivery manager will contact you for an introductory conversation. He will also invite you to our Slack channel where our developers team will answer all your technical questions. In addition to that you will get an invitation to a video call, so that you can see in practice how the registration and operation of the dashboard looks like. For more information please visit this GitHub page: https://github.com/kinguinltdhk/Kinguin-eCommerce-APIYou will now use the API key, which you generated in the previous step. Now you are ready to import the list of products, including:PriceImagesStockDescriptionsOther attributes (ex. platform, genre, PEGI rating, supported languages, tags)For testing purposes we offer access to our sandbox platform. You will gain access to it after registration.BalanceIn the last step you have to add funds to your Kinguin eurBalance wallet. Then the orders can be dispatched to your customers.Congratulations, at this point you have over 50,000 unique digital products available at your website ready to be sold. You can now set your margin and make profit, selling them to your customer base.Thanks to Kinguin’s API, all e-commerce stores can start earning money, without the need of having their own stock of products.Try it now at:https://www.kinguin.net/integrationIf you have any questions feel free to contact our API team:Jujelyn Villanueva - Sales Development Specialistjujelyn.ballon@kinguin.ioOskar Murglin - Delivery Manageroskar.murglin@kinguin.io
Read moreThere has been a lot of misunderstanding around game key distribution on Kinguin.net because they’re cheaper than other platforms. Many people believe we are a reseller, but we are not. The way we distribute is no different to a traditional supply chain - it just happens to take place in a digital space.So what is actually Kinguin?Kinguin.net isn’t a reseller, or even a seller. We are an online platform - digital marketplace. We let sellers from all around the world offer digital products and we provide them with ready-to-use solutions.Professional distributors use our marketplace to offer their stock, just like many traditional stores use Amazon or Ebay, to have an online outlet without the need to pay a fortune for designing and maintaining a new website.If you apply this to the real world, we’d be a mall owner lending space to various brands wanting to run their clothing stores or coffee shops inside the building. On Kinguin.net, instead of these shops, we have game stores. A couple of years ago these sellers would be considered your local game shop owners. Today, they’re still companies, and in some cases big ones! It’s only that they work in the digital space.Selling, not resellingThe main reason why the vast majority of Kinguin.net business users should be considered sellers, and not resellers, is because they acquire keys first-hand from the source. They are registered companies that pay taxes, and they stock up in compliance with the law. Kinguin uses a multi-level verification process of each seller. There is also a rating system of each seller on the marketplace, which is based on buyers experience. Watch the video below to better understand where the keys come from:Why is Kinguin so cheap?Game keys that are sold at Kinguin.net are already bought from developers, by their wholesale and retail partners. They buy it in bulk and that way they can negotiate prices.Pricing can also vary across territories, meaning that retailers in the US or UK could pay more than those from Turkey or Russia. This is because those prices are imposed by developers and their distribution networks. However, our role at Kinguin is to try to lower these prices and as a result reduce the barriers for players to join their gaming adventure.There are other factors to include as well. We offer assistance in setting up your store. We provide ready-to-use game descriptions etc. You don’t have to pay for creating additional assets to promote your game keys. Most of all, we are operating at a low margin so the sellers don’t have to inflate their prices to make profit. All of that combined makes it cheaper to sell games on Kinguin.net, hence the lower prices.What about keys acquired in bundles and then sold on Kinguin?Yes, this does happen, but it's a completely legal process - developers/publishers have already received payment and everyone has already had the chance to purchase the keys at the original offer price.And we have tens of thousands of titles in our offer!There are quite a few reasons behind this. Firstly we’re a genuine link in the chain for distributing video game keys, secondly we listen and work with developers for the best outcome possible, and lastly we’re a legitimate marketplace with over 10 million registered customers, which supports over 100 payment methods from all over the world including PayPal, bank transfers, credit cards and mobile payments.
Read moreNFT is the world’s new buzz word and, for Kinguin, an exciting new opportunity. When asked to describe them in one sentence, Mateusz Mach, Director of NFTs at Kinguin told us it was limiting because while the crude definition means non-fungible tokens, the reality is that these unique, irreplaceable assets are about to change the world of collectibles, and gaming, forever.Mateusz, a highly regarded entrepreneur who founded the world’s first sign language messenger and venture house Nextrope, started with Kinguin in April. He was inspired to join the company having had conversations with founder Viktor Romaniuk Wanli about multiple topics covering digital trade and NFTs, and this, combined with his expertise and passion for tech, made it an opportunity he couldn’t refuse. We sat down with him to ask him about NFTs and to find out what this means for Kinguin. While many people are only now hearing about NFTs, the first one was created in 2014. This was when there was a desire to trade assets online. But, it was only in January this year that NFTs became popular and much of the hype that has been created is the result of the collectables culture in the US. Since then the growth has been exponential, hitting a high of 2.5 billion USD in Q2! But we’re still only at the beginning - there is much to improve and more industries will get involved.For Kinguin, it is a new business area to explore. But I’m always looking for creative challenges and I knew that adding NFTs to the marketplace was a now or never opportunity. So far during my time at the company we’ve announced a partnership with Immutable X and more recently we became the exclusive NFT partner for the Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling event, where we minted exclusive wrestling NFTs and became the first marketplace globally to enter the NFT world. While NFTs provide a new revenue category for the company, our goal is more holistic. We understand that NFTs are new for many people and that while our customers are tech savvy, there is still an education process. Our plan is to invest in building the most convenient to use NFT marketplace within the gaming industry. What we want is for anyone visiting Kinguin.net to find and buy the NFT they want - and to do it with confidence!One example of this is the payment solutions we offer. We’re well known for our wide variety of checkout processes - there are many marketplaces that do not know how to integrate the payment options we have. Our ambition is to make sure this is fully integrated when our customers are buying and trading NFTs as well - it’s important to give them choices.As well as educating our customers on NFTs, we also want to make sure we offer products that appeal to their tastes. We plan to collaborate with partners who give them access to exclusive, gaming collectibles, ones we know they will want to get their hands on. But this will not be limited to gaming. NFTs have become a part of pop culture and because of this we are in advanced talks with artists, musicians, fashion designers, and celebrities to contribute our ideas and add their NFTs on our marketplace. From a personal perspective, my interest is in establishing a new category for Kinguin - one where there is much room to innovate and excite our customers. It will be an incredible experience to be a part of those technological changes. For Kinguin, it will be about being recognised as a market leader - we want to be synonymous with rare, gaming NFTs. This is definitely a long term proposition for the company. We have a ton of plans in the pipeline, many of which I can’t talk about just yet. Next year there will be lots more news I can share but for now it’s about defining our strategy and making sure that when we do reveal all. It will have been worth the wait!
Read moreIt was only last month that Kinguin Founder, Viktor Romaniuk Wanli announced the company’s plan to promote three talented Kinguin employees to the role of acting CEO on a 6-month rotational basis. Triggered by his desire to continue to evolve and improve the business for its customers, employees and partners, it signalled a fresh start.Brandon Doerfler, the first of the three employees to take up the acting CEO position has already made a huge impact, despite only being in the role for two months. We found time to chat with Brandon where he told us about his people first philosophy and why this is front and centre to his plans. The ambitious, analytic and funny (his own words) professional also shared some of the challenges and learnings of his first two months in the role, as well as his aspirations for Kinguin’s future. Kinguin approached me earlier this year and asked if I was interested in joining as their CFO. I recognised, having spent the last 15 years working in financial services, that this was a now or never opportunity that I couldn’t turn down. So I decided to return to my Polish roots and enter what I consider to be an exciting and dynamic industry and joined Kinguin in May. Shortly afterwards, following some internal changes, I was then asked if I would like to take on the role of acting rotational CEO alongside two other colleagues. It was an easy yes! Taking this position at Kinguin offers the opportunity to put my existing financial prowess to good use while also allowing me to develop and deepen my knowledge in new areas, which is important to me. In recent months, Kinguin has gone from strength to strength hitting multiple key milestones including reaching 10 million customers and almost tripling GMV on a year on year basis. But it is also facing challenges. The company suffers from its relatively young age and operates with an entrepreneurial approach, often lacking structure. It is therefore my ambition to strip everything back to its foundations and work on cementing a strong infrastructure into the DNA of the company - this is how we will ensure relevance and encourage growth.My starting point in this journey is people because they are our greatest assets and advocates. It is people who will make or break a company. You simply can’t be successful without a healthy culture and that means hiring and retaining talent, encouraging diversity and celebrating different perspectives.And it’s easy to sit here and say these things because words are cheap. What’s important is putting it into action. So the first thing I’ve tackled since coming into this role are performance reviews. Often underrated these help us recognise and reward talent but equally, highlight underperformance. It is only when we understand where there are issues that we can provide the required tools to tackle it. And, it’s not just about implementing the right processes either, it’s about ensuring they’re adopted and retained. I always liken it to when Gordon Ramsay visits failing restaurants during his show ‘Kitchen Nightmares’. He helps restaurateurs get to the root of their problems and creates a clear path which, if followed, will put them back on track. It is only if they avoid the pitfall of returning to their bad habits that they will succeed. It’s the same with what we’re trying to do at Kinguin.One of the biggest challenges we’re facing is that this isn’t the first time that Kinguin has undergone significant changes and, as a result, there are fears and doubts. A lot of people’s actions are guided by the past but that shouldn’t define our future. Learning to steer our team through this with a new view of optimism and showing them that the changes we’re implementing are positive is the first step in fostering trust and building confidence. And that’s key.In terms of future aspirations, I want Kinguin to continue looking at operational efficiency. I’m a big believer in driving a metrics and business intelligence approach. Otherwise how do you keep people accountable? But it’s important to blend qualitative and quantitative goals. Ultimately, I’d like to hand over this role feeling like I’d set some solid ground work in this area.It may only have been two months since I took on this role but it feels a lot longer when I consider what we’ve achieved. In the following months there will be many more challenges to overcome, as well as a host of learnings, but what I’m really proud of is that we’re coming together to resolve them, as a team. To me, that speaks volumes about the type of people who work at this company and the culture we’re already building.
Read moreE-commerce is currently one of the fastest-growing businesses globally, mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic. At this time, many gamers decide on buying digital game keys from e-commerce gaming stores. This trend is only going to grow with time, due to the pandemic and simple convenience. According to the Global Ecommerce Forecast 2021, e-commerce retail sales worldwide climbed by 25.7% in 2020, to a massive 4.213 trillion dollars, while total retail sales worldwide dropped by 2.8% in the same year. With so many brick-and-mortar stores being closed due to the pandemic, many businesses set their eyes on selling their goods online. If you are looking to open your own online business or expand the existing one, this article will tell you how to choose the best payment methods, based on the example of the Kinguin.net marketplace.Which payment method is the most popular?Here are the three of the most commonly used payment methods out of all 100+ available at Kinguin.net:PayPal With over 361 million active users, PayPal is one of the most common payment methods globally. In recent years, more than 50% of customers use this payment method at Kinguin.net. PayPal can be linked to a debit/credit card of either a business or personal account. It’s a perfect fit for an online store as it accepts and processes payments without any hassle. As a seller, it is very important that your business information is safe and secure. Paypal has a seller protection program which depends on the country/state you’re in. This feature allows Sellers to oppose unauthorized transactions, disputes, and non-receive items. The biggest advantage for the seller is that by using a registered email address, it can send payments worldwide instantly. This payment method can be used by both sellers and buyers, via desktop or mobile application. For more information about Paypal, visit their website.Credit/Debit Card Credit/Debit Cards are also one of the best and most commonly used payment methods as it allows to automatically deduct the payment amount from a personal or business account. Around 25% of all the transactions at Kinguin.net are made with credit and debit cards. Once the user registers the account and uses their card as a payment method in an online store, he will be asked for the bank details. This is usually a one-time process. One of the advantages of credit/debit cards is that, once the store has the details saved, it reduces hassle for both parties as the store doesn’t have to repeatedly inquire about the card data and the transaction happens more quickly. It is usually used for B2B transactions and for users who prefer online shopping. Bank Transfer Around 5% of total transactions at Kinguin.net are based on bank transfers. This process allows the user to not disclose any information about their bank account. Bank transfer is also used if an online shopper or a business owner wants to top up funds to an online store. However, not all stores offer this as their payment option. If the user is enrolled in online banking, it allows them to transfer funds to another bank without any problem. This process can be done once or recurrently, depending on the user's need. According to Jujelyn Villanueva, Sales Development Specialist at Kinguin, ‘PayPal, bank transfer and credit/debit cards are the most commonly used payment methods at Kinguin.net, a global gaming marketplace with over 10 million registered users. We usually suggest Bank Transfer to our biggest API partners, as it is easier to operate on a vast number of transactions.’What is the payment process via Application Programming Integration (API) in Kinguin.net?Kinguin API for e-commerce is a digital key distribution system based on the Application Programming Interface (API). It enables online stores, blogs, information websites, affiliate services, and all entrepreneurs operating on the Internet to monetize their business, utilizing the potential of the gaming industry customers. API is an intermediary software which allows two applications to “talk” to each other. With our API, Kinguin provides the sellers with services to integrate their stores with the marketplace and easily import product lists, containing current product attributes and prices determined by the seller themselves.How does the payment process look like?The customer pays for the product via an external service. Kinguin is not involved at any stage of the purchase.In order to pay via bank transfer you may use:A direct deposit – the customer goes directly to their bank and deposits the money to where they want to send it.Online banking – the customer who enrolled their account to the online banking can easily perform an online bank transfer. The only thing the customer needs is the bank account information of the person/company they want to transfer money to.Customer support/direct message – on Kinguin.net, the customer has the option to directly contact customer support in case of having any difficulties sending the payment through. The customer can also send a direct message to the appropriate person in charge: Oskar Murglin (Delivery Manager) or Jujelyn Villanueva (Sales Development Specialist).After a successful payment, the external store sends the information about the order to Kinguin.net. The so-called BALANCE is created, which means that Kinguin.net charges the user and continues the shipment of the order.What is BALANCE?Let’s use an example: You are the owner of an online store, but you don’t currently have any games. You can connect to the Kinguin.net API and access over 24,000 digital gaming products and more.Once you have access, if a customer buys the game in your store, then the funds are deducted from your BALANCE account, which is your Kinguin currency that you topped up earlier. If the customer does not sell any game in their shop, the money/balance will be refunded.Balance, in a sense, freezes a certain amount of money. However, it does guarantee that the payment covers only the goods sold.Summary:To sum up, while choosing the best payment method, we should always consider which is the most convenient as well as the safest one. We must think about the privacy protection of our bank accounts as they always include personal information that may be used in a fraudulent transaction. Since it is very important for a gaming store to have online payments available, we should always choose the fastest way to complete it. In our opinion, PayPal is the most secure, quickest and convenient payment method as shown clearly by the preferences of our customers.
Read moreThis guide covers Phasmophobia crossplay on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and VR as of October 2026. Yes, Phasmophobia is crossplay: up to four players on Steam, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S can hunt together in one lobby. Crossplay means players on different platforms share the same online session. Progress does not carry over between platforms.Key TakeawaysPhasmophobia has crossplay between PC (Steam), PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, available since the console early access launch on October 29, 2024.VR and non-VR players can join the same lobby, with up to four players per game.Kinetic Games has not announced cross-progression, so levels and unlocks stay on the platform where you earned them.According to Kinetic Games, the Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives together with Phasmophobia 1.0 in the second half of 2027.Phasmophobia Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC (Steam) + PS5 + Xbox Series X|SYes, crossplayVR (PC VR, PS VR2) + non-VR playersYes, in the same lobbyCrossplay on consoles sinceOctober 29, 2024 (console early access launch)Crossplay settingOptional, can be switched on or offMax players per lobby4Cross-progressionNot announced; progress stays on each platformPS4 / Xbox OneNo version availableNintendo Switch 2Coming with 1.0 in the second half of 2027; crossplay not detailedGame statusEarly Access (v0.19.1.0, October 2026)Is Phasmophobia Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Yes, Phasmophobia is crossplay in 2026. Players on PC through Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2 and Xbox Series X|S can join the same lobby and investigate together. Kinetic Games describes the game on its official page as co-op for up to four players, cross-platform. A mixed group of friends does not need to own the game on the same system to play together, as long as every player is on one of the supported platforms.Phasmophobia crossplay has been live since October 29, 2024, when the game launched in early access on PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, as reported by Gematsu and TrueAchievements at launch. Before that date, Phasmophobia was a PC-only game on Steam. The console versions launched with crossplay from day one, so console and PC players shared the same online sessions from the start.Phasmophobia crossplay is optional. When Kinetic Games announced the console versions, the studio said that all platforms will feature optional crossplay, which means each player can switch it on or off in the game settings. Players who prefer to match only with people on their own platform can turn it off, while groups with friends on different systems should keep it on.Is Phasmophobia Crossplay With PC and Xbox?Phasmophobia is crossplay with PC and Xbox, and with PlayStation too. A Steam player can host a lobby that friends on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 join, and a console player can host for PC friends in the same way. There is no restriction between console brands either, so PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can investigate together, which is not a given in many other co-op games.Phasmophobia platform support is simple to check in one place. The table below shows which platform combinations can play together as of October 2026, based on Kinetic Games, the Steam store page and coverage of the console launch. Older consoles and the upcoming Switch 2 version are listed separately, because neither is part of crossplay today.Platform combinationCrossplay in October 2026PC (Steam) + PS5YesPC (Steam) + Xbox Series X|SYesPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesPS VR2 + PC, PS5 or XboxYesPC VR + flat-screen PC or consoleYesPS4 or Xbox OneNo version availableNintendo Switch 2Not released yet; crossplay not detailedCan VR and Non-VR Players Play Phasmophobia Together?VR and non-VR players can play Phasmophobia together in the same lobby. The Steam store page says the game supports all players together and lets you play with friends using any combination of input types. In practice, one friend can wear a PC VR headset while another uses a mouse and keyboard and a third uses a controller, all in the same investigation.PlayStation VR2 owners are part of the same crossplay pool. Phasmophobia launched on PS VR2 on October 29, 2024, alongside the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, and PS VR2 players can join flat-screen PS5, Xbox and PC players. On PC, VR support is part of the regular Steam version, so a Steam player can switch between VR and a monitor without buying a second copy.Get Phasmophobia on KinguinHow to Join Friends in Phasmophobia Across PlatformsJoining friends in Phasmophobia across platforms works through a room code rather than a shared friends list. One player hosts a private room, the game shows a code, and the other players type that code to join. Menu names differ slightly between versions and community guides, so the steps below use the general flow rather than exact button labels.Phasmophobia players who cannot find a friend's room should first check two things, according to community guides. Every player needs crossplay switched on, since a player with crossplay off will not connect to a lobby with another platform. Every player should also pick the same server region as the host. Guides disagree on whether a region mismatch blocks joining or only adds lag, so matching regions is the safe choice.Every player opens the game settings and makes sure crossplay is switched on.Everyone selects the same server region as the host.The host opens the multiplayer menu and creates a private room.The host shares the room code shown on screen with the group.Friends choose the option to join a private room and enter the code.Once up to four players are in the lobby, the host picks a contract and starts the investigation.Does Phasmophobia Have Cross-Progression?Phasmophobia does not have cross-progression as of October 2026. Cross-progression means one save, with your level, money and unlocked equipment, follows you across platforms. Kinetic Games has not announced the feature in its patch notes or roadmap posts, and community guides report that progress stays on the platform where you earned it. A level reached on Steam does not appear on a PS5 or Xbox copy.Crossplay and cross-progression in Phasmophobia are separate features. Crossplay lets a Steam player and a PS5 player share a lobby, while each of them keeps their own save on their own platform. Players who plan to move from PC to console, or from Xbox to PlayStation, should expect to start progression again on the new platform, since no official transfer tool has been announced.Phasmophobia on PS4, Xbox One and Switch 2Phasmophobia is not available on PS4 or Xbox One. The console version launched only on PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, and Kinetic Games has not announced versions for older consoles. Players with friends on last-generation hardware cannot join them, because there is no PS4 or Xbox One copy to play on. The only route is moving to a current-generation console or PC.Phasmophobia is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, but not in 2026. Kinetic Games announced the Switch 2 version at The Game Awards in December 2025. In its June 24, 2026 post, Phasmophobia 2026 and Beyond, the studio said 1.0 moves to the second half of 2027 and that the Switch 2 version will arrive at the same time. Kinetic Games has not yet detailed whether Switch 2 players will join crossplay lobbies.Phasmophobia is still in early access in October 2026, with version 0.19.1.0 released on October 6, 2026, per Kinetic Games' patch notes. Crossplay already works across PC, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S during early access, so groups do not need to wait for 1.0. If you still need a copy, Kinguin lists Phasmophobia, and buying the version for the platform you play on is all that matters for crossplay.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Phasmophobia crossplay with PC and Xbox?Yes. Phasmophobia players on PC through Steam and on Xbox Series X|S can join the same lobby, and PS5 and PS VR2 players can join too. Crossplay is optional, so every player in the group should check that it is switched on in the game settings.Can PC and PS5 players play Phasmophobia together?Yes. PC players on Steam and PS5 players can play Phasmophobia together, including PS VR2 users. The host creates a private room, shares the room code, and friends on other platforms enter it to join. Matching server regions helps avoid connection problems.Can PS5 and PC crossplay?In Phasmophobia, yes. PS5 and PC crossplay has worked since the console early access launch on October 29, 2024. Crossplay support varies by game, so for other titles check the publisher's own support pages before buying a copy on a different platform than your friends.Is Phasmophobia cross-platform?Yes. Phasmophobia is cross-platform across PC (Steam), PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, with up to four players per lobby. Cross-progression is a different matter: Kinetic Games has not announced it, so levels and unlocks stay on each platform.Is Phasmophobia on PS4 or Xbox One?No. Phasmophobia is available on PC, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S only. Kinetic Games has not announced PS4 or Xbox One versions. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is planned for the second half of 2027, alongside the 1.0 release.SourcesKinetic Games: Phasmophobia (official game page)Kinetic Games: Phasmophobia 2026 and Beyond (June 24, 2026)Kinetic Games: Phasmophobia v0.19.1.0 Patch Notes (October 6, 2026)Steam: Phasmophobia store pageGematsu: Phasmophobia Early Access for PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series launches October 29
Read moreThis guide covers Helldivers 2 crossplay on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same match. Yes, Helldivers 2 has full crossplay: PC, PS5 and Xbox players can squad up together. Progress, however, stays on each platform, because the game has no cross-progression.Key TakeawaysHelldivers 2 supports crossplay between PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and crossplay can be turned off in the game.Helldivers 2 launched on Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025, with crossplay from day one, according to Xbox Wire.Cross-platform friends are added with a friend code from the Social tab.Helldivers 2 has no cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy, and Arrowhead Support says there are no plans to add cross-progression at this time.Helldivers 2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC + PS5 + Xbox Series X|S crossplayYes, all three platforms play togetherXbox Series X|S releaseAugust 26, 2025 ($39.99 base game)Original release (PS5 and PC)February 8, 2024Crossplay toggleOn by default, can be turned offCross-progression / cross-saveNo, and no plans at this time per Arrowhead SupportCross-buyNoSquad sizeUp to 4 playersHow to add cross-platform friendsFriend code in the Social tabPS Plus needed for onlineOn PS5 only; not on SteamPSN account on SteamGame prompts linking on first launchIs Helldivers 2 Crossplay? The Short AnswerYes, Helldivers 2 is crossplay on every platform it is sold on. Arrowhead Support states that Helldivers 2 features cross-play between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, so a squad of up to four players can mix Steam, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S accounts in the same mission. Friends on different platforms can host or join each other's ships, as long as crossplay is enabled for everyone.Helldivers 2 crossplay covers matchmaking and missions, not your account. Each platform keeps its own progression, Warbonds, Super Credits and unlocks, so playing on a second platform means starting from scratch there. The rest of this guide explains which platforms play together, how to add friends from another platform, the PlayStation Network question on PC, and what to check when crossplay does not work.Which Platforms Can Play Helldivers 2 Together?Helldivers 2 crossplay connects three platforms: PC through Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game first launched on February 8, 2024, on PS5 and Steam, according to the Arrowhead FAQ, and crossplay between those two was part of the game from launch. Xbox joined in 2025, which made the player base shared across all three platforms. On Xbox, the game is available on the Series X|S consoles.Helldivers 2 has crossplay switched on by default, and the Arrowhead FAQ confirms that players can disable it. Turning crossplay off limits matchmaking to your own platform, which can mean fewer available squads at higher difficulties. For a mixed group of friends, crossplay needs to stay on for every player in the squad.Platform pairCan play together?PC (Steam) + PS5YesPC (Steam) + Xbox Series X|SYesPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesAny platform with crossplay turned offOnly with the same platformHelldivers 2 on Xbox: Release and CrossplayHelldivers 2 came to Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025, according to Xbox Wire and the Xbox Store listing. The base game is listed at $39.99 on Xbox, and pre-orders offered a Standard Edition and a Super Citizen Edition. The Xbox Wire announcement promised cross play on all platforms from launch.Helldivers 2 on Xbox uses the same live galaxy and the same missions as the PC and PS5 versions, so Xbox players join the existing community instead of a separate one. Official Xbox Wire posts and the Xbox Store page do not mention a PlayStation Network account for the Xbox version. Xbox players who already own the game on another platform still need to start a new account, because purchases and progress do not carry over.Get Helldivers 2 on KinguinHow to Add Cross-Platform Friends With a Friend CodeHelldivers 2 adds friends from other platforms through friend codes, not through Steam, PSN or Xbox friend lists. According to Arrowhead Support, the Social tab shows your friends list, players you recently played with, pending invitations and blocked players. From there you can search for a player by friend code or generate your own code to share. Guides describe the code as eight digits long.Helldivers 2 also lets you send a request from the recent players list, which is handy after a good random match. Arrowhead Support says the Social tab opens from the Pause menu while you are on a ship, or with Tab on PC and X on PS5; Xbox players can reach it through the Pause menu.Make sure crossplay is turned on for both players.Board your ship and open the Social tab from the Pause menu.Player one generates a friend code and shares it.Player two enters the code in the friend code search and sends a request.Player one accepts the request under pending invitations.Invite the new friend to your ship from the friends list.Do You Need a PSN Account to Play Helldivers 2?Helldivers 2 on Steam asks PC players to link a PlayStation Network account. According to Arrowhead Support, the game prompts you to link Steam to PSN on first launch and shows a QR code and a log-in link. The Steam store page also lists PlayStation Network as a required third-party account that supports linking to Steam. Creating a PSN account is free.Helldivers 2 became the center of a PSN controversy in May 2024, when PlayStation planned to make linking mandatory and then said the update will not be moving forward after a wave of negative Steam reviews, as reported by several outlets at the time. Players report that the prompt still appears, so plan for linking on PC. Official Xbox pages mention no PSN account for the Xbox version.Helldivers 2 online play on PS5 requires PS Plus, while Steam players do not pay for PS Plus to play online, according to the Arrowhead FAQ. Linking Steam and PSN does not unlock anything across platforms either. Arrowhead Support states that linking does not copy game data between the PS5 and PC copies of the game.Does Helldivers 2 Have Cross-Progression?Helldivers 2 does not have cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy as of October 2026. Arrowhead Support, in an article updated on October 13, 2026, says progression, DLC and limited-time items such as pre-order armor stay on the account and platform where you earned or bought them. Player Support cannot merge accounts or move items between accounts, and it grants no exceptions.Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead has been clear about the future too: its support page says "We have no plans to implement cross-progression at this time." In November 2025, CEO Shams Jorjani said the studio would love to add it but that it was far from the priority. Players moving from PS5 to PC or Xbox, or the other way around, should expect to rebuild Warbonds and unlocks from zero.Helldivers 2 Crossplay Not Working: Quick ChecksHelldivers 2 crossplay problems usually come down to settings or friend requests rather than the platforms themselves. Earlier patch notes listed issues with cross-platform friend invites not showing up, so a request that seems lost is worth sending again before assuming something is broken. The checklist below covers the common fixes, in the order most players try them.Check that crossplay is enabled for every player in the squad.Confirm everyone is on the latest game update.On PC, finish linking your PSN account if the game asks for it.Resend the friend request using a freshly generated friend code.Restart the game, then try the invite again from the friends list.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Helldivers 2 going to be cross-platform?Helldivers 2 already is cross-platform. PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can play together, and Xbox joined with crossplay when the game launched there on August 26, 2025. Crossplay is on by default and can be turned off.Can Xbox and PS5 play Helldivers 2 together?Yes. Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players can share a squad of up to four in Helldivers 2. Both players need crossplay switched on and must add each other with a friend code from the in-game Social tab.Does Helldivers 2 have cross-progression?No. Helldivers 2 has no cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy, so items and progress stay on each platform. Arrowhead Support says the studio has no plans to implement cross-progression at this time.Do you need a PSN account to play Helldivers 2 on PC?Helldivers 2 on Steam prompts PC players to link a free PSN account on first launch, per Arrowhead Support, and the Steam page lists PSN as a third-party account. PlayStation dropped a mandatory linking plan in May 2024.How do you add friends cross-platform in Helldivers 2?Open the Social tab from the Pause menu on your ship, generate a friend code and share it. Your friend searches for that code, sends a request, and you accept it under pending invitations.SourcesArrowhead Support: Does Helldivers 2 have cross-progression?Arrowhead Support: How do I link my Steam account to a PlayStation Network account?Arrowhead Support: How do I send/accept a friend request?Arrowhead Support: Helldivers 2 FAQXbox Wire: Helldivers 2 is Coming to Xbox on August 26Xbox Wire: Helldivers 2 Out on Xbox TodaySteam: Helldivers 2 store page
Read moreThis guide covers which GTA 5 and GTA Online platforms can play together in 2026. No, GTA 5 is not crossplay: PC, PlayStation and Xbox players cannot share sessions, and Rockstar has not announced plans to change that. The only cross-platform play happens between PC launchers, and only when everyone runs the same PC edition.Key TakeawaysGTA 5 and GTA Online have no crossplay between PC, PlayStation and Xbox, and no crossplay has been announced as of October 2026.GTA 5 players on PC can play together across all PC launchers if everyone runs the same edition, Enhanced or Legacy.Since June 18, 2026, Rockstar offers a free upgrade to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version for PS4 owners and digital Xbox One owners.A GTA Online character can be migrated once from PS4 or Xbox One to current-gen consoles, but never between console and PC.GTA 5 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)PlatformsCan they play together?PC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplayPlayStation + XboxNo crossplay, on any console generationPS4 + PS5 / Xbox One + Xbox Series X|SSeparate GTA Online sessions on the current-gen versionSteam + Epic + Rockstar Launcher + Xbox app (PC)Yes, if everyone is on the same edition (Enhanced or Legacy)PC Enhanced + PC LegacyNo, separate GTA Online instancesMove character PS4/Xbox One to PS5/Xbox Series X|SYes, one time per profileMove character between console and PCNo, in either directionFree upgrade PS4 to PS5 / Xbox One digital to Xbox Series X|SYes, since June 18, 2026 (not physical Xbox One discs)Crossplay announcedNoWhat Do Crossplay and Cross-Progression Mean in GTA 5?Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same online session. Cross-progression means one save follows a player across platforms and stays in sync. GTA 5 and GTA Online support neither in that modern sense. Rockstar instead offers a one-time character migration: a profile is copied to a new platform once, and from then on the old and new versions develop separately.GTA Online splits players into three platform families: PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Players only meet others inside their own family, and console players also need to be on the same generation of the game. On PC, the store does not matter, but the edition does. The sections below explain each rule, starting with the console brands and ending with a setup checklist for mixed friend groups.Can Xbox and PlayStation Play GTA 5 Together?Xbox and PlayStation players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online together on any console generation. The rule covers PS4 with Xbox One, PS5 with Xbox Series X|S, and every mixed pairing in between. Rockstar Support describes cross-network play as something that applies only to PC platforms, and no equivalent exists between the two console brands. No menu setting connects the two player bases.Rockstar has not given a reason for the missing PlayStation and Xbox crossplay, so explanations found on forums are guesses rather than Rockstar policy. A mixed console group has one practical option: one player switches to the other brand. A GTA Online character from PS4 or Xbox One can follow that player once to the other brand's current-gen console, with the money rules covered in the character migration section.Can PC Play GTA 5 With PS4, PS5 or Xbox?PC players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online with anyone on PS4, PS5, Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S. According to Rockstar Support (article last updated June 17, 2025), "Cross-network play only applies to gameplay between PC platforms (Rockstar Games Launcher, Steam, Epic Games Launcher, Xbox app on PC, etc.). Players on PC cannot play with players on console." The rule applies to both PC editions and every console generation.Rockstar offers no supported workaround for a PC player who wants to join a console lobby, and GTA Online progress cannot move between console and PC in either direction. A PC player whose friends are on PS5 has three realistic choices: buy the PS5 version and start a new character, move the group to PC, or play with a different crew on PC.Can PS4 and PS5 (or Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S) Play GTA Online Together?PS4 and PS5 players, and Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, usually cannot meet in GTA Online. According to community guides and player reports, the current-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X|S version runs separate sessions from the PS4 and Xbox One version. Players also report that a PS5 owner can run the PS4 version through backward compatibility to join PS4 friends, though Rockstar has not documented this.The free GTA V upgrade is the simplest fix for mixed-generation groups. According to Rockstar Newswire (June 17, 2026) and Rockstar Support, since June 18, 2026 anyone who owns GTA V on PS4, disc or digital, or the digital Xbox One version can get the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version at no cost. A PS4 disc must be in the PS5. Physical Xbox One discs are excluded, and Rockstar has given no end date.GTA Online is still live on PS4 and Xbox One in October 2026, and Rockstar has not announced a shutdown. The Kortz Center Heist reached PS4 and Xbox One in July 2026, but the Rockstar patch notes list more recent updates for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC only. Groups that want the newest content should move to the current-gen version.Do Steam, Epic and Rockstar Launcher Players Play GTA 5 Together on PC?GTA 5 players on PC can play together regardless of the store they bought from. Steam, Epic Games Store, Rockstar Games Launcher and Xbox app on PC copies all share GTA Online sessions, so a friend with an Epic copy can join a Steam player. The edition is the part that matters. Since March 4, 2025, GTA V on PC comes in two editions, Enhanced and Legacy.GTA V Enhanced and GTA V Legacy run as separate GTA Online instances. According to Rockstar Newswire (February 20 and March 4, 2025), players who remain on Legacy cannot play in sessions with players on Enhanced, even when both bought the game in the same store. PC owners get both editions, so a PC friend who cannot find a session should first check which edition each player launched.Get GTA V on KinguinCan You Move a GTA Online Character Between Platforms?GTA Online characters can move from PS4 or Xbox One to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S once per profile, started from the Landing Page or Pause Menu. According to Rockstar Support's migration page (updated February 24, 2026), the move can cross brands, such as Xbox One to PS5. Unspent GTA$ bought through Shark Cards does not transfer across brands, while earned GTA$ does, so players should spend Shark Card money first.Rockstar Support lists two blocked routes: no migration between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and no migration between console and PC in either direction. On PC, moving from Legacy to Enhanced is a manual, one-time migration rather than an automatic one. After that move, the Legacy progress is kept but no longer syncs with the Enhanced character, so the two profiles drift apart.Will GTA 5 or GTA 6 Get Crossplay?Rockstar has not announced any plan to add crossplay to GTA 5 or GTA Online, either between PC and consoles or between PlayStation and Xbox. A search of Rockstar Newswire and Rockstar Support in October 2026 found no such announcement. Until that changes, GTA Online groups should plan around the current rules: same platform family, same console generation and, on PC, the same edition.GTA 6 releases on November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, according to Rockstar Newswire (June 24, 2026), and no PC version has been announced. Rockstar describes GTA 6 as "a single player experience". Rockstar has said nothing official about GTA 6 Online or crossplay, so claims that GTA 6 will support crossplay are unconfirmed.How Do You Set Up GTA Online With Friends on Different Platforms?GTA Online groups avoid most matchmaking problems by checking platform, generation and edition before anyone buys or reinstalls the game. The steps below summarize the rules from the earlier sections in the order a mixed group should check them.Pick one platform family for the whole group: PC, PlayStation or Xbox.On consoles, move everyone to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version; PS4 and digital Xbox One owners can use the free upgrade.On PC, ignore the store and agree on one edition, Enhanced or Legacy.Before switching console brands, spend any Shark Card GTA$ and migrate the character once.Accept that a move between console and PC means starting a new character.Buy the GTA V version that matches your group's platform and edition, for example on Kinguin.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan Xbox and PS play GTA together?Xbox and PlayStation players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online together on any generation, and Rockstar has not announced plans to add it. One player has to switch brands; a PS4 or Xbox One character can be migrated once to the other brand's current-gen console.Can PS4 GTA 5 play with PC?PS4 players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online with PC players. Rockstar Support states that players on PC cannot play with players on console, and that rule also covers PS5 and Xbox. GTA Online characters cannot be moved between PS4 and PC either.Can I play GTA 5 Online on PC and PS5 together?GTA Online has no crossplay between PC and PS5. Rockstar limits cross-network play to PC launchers, so a PC player and a PS5 player need to be on the same platform. Progress cannot move between PC and PS5, so the switching player starts a new character.Will GTA 6 have crossplay?Rockstar has not announced crossplay for GTA 6. GTA 6 launches November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and Rockstar calls it a single player experience. Nothing official exists yet about GTA 6 Online, so crossplay claims remain unconfirmed.Can Steam and Epic Games players play GTA Online together?Steam and Epic Games Store players can play GTA Online together when both run the same PC edition. GTA V Enhanced and GTA V Legacy are separate online instances, so a Steam player on Enhanced cannot join an Epic player on Legacy.SourcesRockstar Support: Unable to join GTA Online sessions with Xbox app on PC (cross-network play, updated June 17, 2025)Rockstar Support: Free GTA V upgrade to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S (updated June 18, 2026)
Read moreSome evenings are simply made for staying in. Your favorite blanket is waiting on the couch, there's something warm in your favorite mug, and you've already decided that absolutely nothing is getting you out of your comfy clothes tonight. All that's missing is a good game. And perhaps a little surprise from us 🤎This autumn, Kinguin and Razer have teamed up for a special Cozy Gaming Giveaway, bringing together our love for relaxing games, cute gaming setups, and those wonderfully lazy evenings when the only thing on your schedule is enjoying yourself.We're celebrating Kinguin's Cozy Sale with a chance to win some seriously lovely gaming gear, including a Nintendo Switch 2, Razer headphones, and an adorable Pokémon-themed collection. A little something for your cozy gaming cornerWe believe your gaming setup should feel like your own little happy place. Maybe yours is full of fairy lights, plushies, and pastel accessories. Maybe it's a simple desk with a comfy chair and a very important cup of coffee. Whatever your perfect gaming corner looks like, we've got a few things that might make it even lovelier.Together with Razer, we're giving away three prize packages made for gaming days, quiet evenings, and everything in between.🧸 1st Place: The ultimate gaming eveningOur grand prize winner will receive:Razer Barracuda X Chroma White – wireless gaming headphones for getting lost in your favorite worlds.Nintendo Switch 2 – a whole new collection of gaming adventures waiting to happen.Just imagine putting on your headphones, getting comfortable under your blanket, and spending the evening exploring a new game. No plans, no rush, just a little time for yourself.🌸 2nd Place: A Pokémon dream setupIf your ideal gaming setup involves pink accessories and ridiculously cute Pokémon, this prize might have your name written all over it.Our second-place winner will receive the Pokémon Razer Collab Pikachu & Eevee Collection Gaming Gear, a matching set featuring a headset, keyboard, mouse, and mouse mat. Yes, Pikachu and Eevee. Yes, it's pink. And yes, we're a little obsessed too.🎀 3rd Place: Kitty ears, obviouslyOur third-place winner will receive the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro, a pink gaming headset with adorable kitty ears.Because sometimes you want great gaming audio, and sometimes you also want to look like the cutest person in the Discord call.Cozy games, autumn evenings, and a little extra loveOf course, a cozy gaming setup deserves some equally lovely games. That's why our Kinguin Cozy Sale is here to make your autumn gaming plans even sweeter, with selected cozy games discounted by up to 86%.Fancy spending the evening running a little bakery? Taking care of your farm? Decorating your dream home? Or simply disappearing into a beautiful game world for a few hours?We've gathered games for all kinds of peaceful evenings, and there's even an extra treat waiting for you: use code COZY8 for an additional discount on eligible offers. You bring the blanket and snacks. We'll help with the games.Ready to make this autumn a little sweeter? 🍯Our Kinguin x Razer Cozy Gaming Giveaway is all about celebrating the little things that make gaming feel special. Your favorite game after a long day, a cute new accessory on your desk, or a weekend when you finally have time to play something you've been looking forward to.And who knows? Maybe your next gaming evening will come with a brand-new Razer setup. Enter the Kinguin x Razer Cozy Gaming Giveaway through our official contest page, follow the participation instructions, and check the terms and conditions for eligibility and deadlines. .kg-cozy-mini-v4 { transition:box-shadow .2s ease !important; } .kg-cozy-mini-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 22px rgba(80,45,30,.12) !important; } .kg-cozy-mini-v4:focus-visible { outline:3px solid #f26621 !important; outline-offset:3px !important; } Good luck, little autumn gamers. We're rooting for you! 🧸🤎
Read moreTwenty-two years later, we’re going back to where it all began.World of Warcraft: Forever is now live, opening the doors to a new version of original Azeroth built for players who remember their first trip to Stormwind just as much as those who have absolutely no idea why everyone keeps shouting “FOR THE HORDE”. Both are welcome. Forever is an unusual chapter for World of Warcraft. It isn’t simply another expansion added to the end of the existing game, nor is it Classic with prettier lighting. Instead, it creates another permanent home alongside Modern and Classic WoW: an Azeroth rooted in the game’s original era, but free to grow in its own direction through new stories, zones, dungeons and updates.For longtime players, familiar roads can now lead somewhere genuinely new. For everyone who has spent the last 20 years looking at WoW from the outside and thinking surely it is far too late to start now, Forever may be one of the easiest opportunities to finally find out what all the fuss is about.So, before you choose a faction, spend two hours creating your character and develop an unhealthy relationship with the Auction House, here’s what you need to know. WORLD OF WARCRAFT: FOREVER · QUICK FACTS NOW LIVE Enter Azeroth now PC Battle.net MMORPG Shared online world LEVEL 1–60 The journey matters again What exactly is World of Warcraft: Forever?Let’s start with the newcomers. World of Warcraft is an MMORPG, which is a very efficient way of saying that thousands of people share an enormous online fantasy world and spend their time questing, exploring, fighting monsters, running dungeons, collecting gear, learning professions, fighting each other and standing in capital cities showing off mounts that took an unreasonable amount of time to obtain.That world is Azeroth, and it has been WoW’s home since 2004. Across more than two decades of expansions, Azeroth has changed enormously. Modern World of Warcraft kept moving forward, while WoW Classic allowed players to revisit older versions of the game.Forever takes a different path. It returns to the spirit and geography of original Azeroth, but instead of preserving that world exactly as it was, Blizzard is expanding it. Familiar places sit alongside new and enlarged zones, more than 1,000 new quests, new dungeons, secrets and stories that build outward from WoW’s first age.The level 1–60 journey matters again, and this version of Azeroth is designed to continue evolving through future content rather than simply replaying the expansion path WoW has already travelled. Wklejony tekstThat is probably the easiest way to understand Forever: Classic asks what it was like to play old WoW again. Forever asks what old WoW could have become if Azeroth had taken another road. If you have never played World of Warcraft before, you don’t need 22 years of homework to start here.And if you have played World of Warcraft for 22 years, you have probably already stopped reading this section and started arguing about class balance somewhere. Welcome home. What is new in World of Warcraft: Forever?Quite a lot. The addition you will probably notice first is Skyborne, the new playable elven race from Zephras Isle. The race splits along faction lines: Windshaper Skyborne join the Horde and can become Shamans, while High Order Skyborne join the Alliance and can become Mages.Forever also adds new race-and-class combinations, including Forsaken Paladins, Dwarf Shamans, Orc Mages, Troll Warlocks, Human Hunters and Gnome Priests. The familiar classes themselves have also been reworked, with updated abilities and specializations designed to preserve their original identities while giving players more options. And then there is Azeroth itself.The world has received environmental and lighting upgrades, but the important changes go much deeper than presentation. Blizzard has filled the 1–60 journey with new stories, locations, secrets and dungeons, giving veterans reasons to wander away from routes they could probably still navigate with their eyes closed.Professions are much more involved too, with more than 600 new recipes, new crafted bonuses and profession objects that can be placed at campsites. The new Camping system lets players create temporary camps in the world where adventurers can rest, repair, access profession tools and contribute useful objects and buffs before continuing their journey.And if you’re already thinking about leveling your third alt before your first character has reached max level, Forever has something specifically for you. The new Legacy System adds account-wide progression through challenges involving classes, professions, PvP, exploration, dungeons and raids. Completing them earns Legacy Points that unlock perks and cosmetic rewards across your account. In other words, Forever gives you plenty of reasons to take the long way around. Veteran WoW players will understand exactly how dangerous that sentence is. Horde or Alliance? Yes, you still have to chooseSome traditions survive everything. The Alliance brings together races including Humans, Dwarves, Night Elves and Gnomes, while the Horde includes Orcs, Trolls, Tauren and Forsaken.Forever expands those possibilities further with the Skyborne, whose two branches join opposing factions. For a brand-new player, the practical answer is simple: choose whichever side has the race, fantasy and friends you actually want to play with.The emotionally correct answer is considerably more complicated and has caused arguments since 2004. CAST YOUR VOTE ALLIANCE Glory. Duty. Azeroth. HORDE Strength. Honor. Zug zug. CHOOSE YOUR SIDE ABOVE COMMUNITY: 48% ALLIANCE · 52% HORDE Which World of Warcraft: Forever edition should you get?This is where things can get confusing for a new player, so let’s make it simple. You do not need to buy a separate base game to access World of Warcraft: Forever. Access is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time.Blizzard also offers optional Forever upgrade packs with additional content such as Skyborne access, cosmetics, mounts, pets and other extras.The Skyborne Heroic Pack is the first upgrade tier. It is mainly for players who want access to Skyborne and Zephras Isle alongside its additional cosmetics and extras.The Skyborne Epic Pack includes the Heroic content, additional collectibles and 30 days of Game Time.Then there is the limited-time Warcraft Forever Collection, which bundles the Epic content with Warcraft III: Reforged and the new Forsaken Kingdom campaign. If you’re already hearing the Warcraft login music in your head, you probably know which category you belong to. .wow-product-module a.wow-cta { position:absolute !important; left:12px !important; right:12px !important; bottom:10px !important; display:block !important; height:42px !important; margin:0 !important; padding:0 !important; background:#ff4b0b !important; border-radius:999px !important; text-decoration:none !important; z-index:30 !important; } .wow-product-module a.wow-cta::after { content:"VIEW OFFER →" !important; position:absolute !important; top:0 !important; left:0 !important; display:block !important; width:100% !important; height:42px !important; color:#ffffff !important; font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif !important; font-size:13px !important; line-height:42px !important; font-weight:900 !important; text-align:center !important; text-decoration:none !important; pointer-events:none !important; } .wow-product-module a.wow-cta:hover { background:#e94408 !important; } AVAILABLE ON KINGUIN Choose your way into Azeroth View all → BETA ACCESS WoW: Forever Closed Beta Battle.net · PC · CD Key HEROIC PACK Skyborne Heroic Pack Battle.net · Altergift EPIC PACK Skyborne Epic Pack Battle.net · Altergift FULL COLLECTION Warcraft Forever Collection Battle.net · Altergift Marketplace prices can change. Check the product page for the current price, region, delivery method and activation requirements.Because Kinguin is a marketplace, multiple sellers can offer the same product. Competing offers can mean a lower price than standard retail, so there is little reason to memorize a number from an article that may change tomorrow.Check the current offers when you are actually ready to enter Azeroth. Is Kinguin safe for buying World of Warcraft: Forever?If you’re new to Kinguin, this is a fair question.Kinguin has operated as a digital marketplace since 2013 and serves millions of customers globally. It currently holds a 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating from more than 123,000 reviews, while payment security measures include a dedicated Fraud Prevention and Response team operating 24/7.Payment details are also not shared with third-party marketplace sellers.As with any marketplace purchase, however, you should still read the listing before paying. Check whether you are buying a key or Altergift, make sure the region matches your Battle.net account, read the activation instructions and check the seller information.Some Forever listings on Kinguin use Battle.net gifting rather than a standard CD key, so the delivery process may differ between products. Thirty seconds spent checking the listing is considerably faster than opening a support ticket because you bought the wrong region. BUYING ON KINGUIN 4.6/5 Trustpilot 123,000+ customer reviews Since 2013 Millions of customers globally 24/7 protection Fraud Prevention & Response Secure payments Payment details stay private Check the listing Key · Altergift · region New to WoW? Here’s what you’re actually going to do in AzerothThis is the part trailers sometimes make unnecessarily complicated. You create a character by choosing your faction, race and class, then enter Azeroth at level one.From there, you explore. You meet characters who give you quests. You fight enemies and grow stronger. You discover towns and cities, learn professions, find better equipment and gradually venture into more dangerous parts of the world.Eventually, you can enter dungeons, where a small group works together against tougher enemies and bosses. At higher levels, raids bring larger groups together for some of WoW’s biggest challenges. If fighting other players sounds more interesting, PvP is waiting. And if none of that sounds interesting, WoW has spent more than two decades proving that people will happily log in and spend an entire evening fishing.There is no single correct way to play World of Warcraft. Some players chase the hardest bosses in the game. Some live for PvP. Some collect mounts. Some make gold through professions. Some level twelve different characters because apparently one identity wasn’t enough.And somebody reading this will spend four hours jumping around Stormwind while talking to their guild. That counts too.How does Gold work in World of Warcraft: Forever?Ah, WoW Gold. You will meet each other very quickly.Gold is the everyday currency of Azeroth and touches an enormous amount of what you do. Players use it for trading, gear, consumables, crafting materials and plenty of other useful things throughout their adventures. You can absolutely earn Gold simply by playing.Questing, professions, trading and selling things you find are all part of the normal WoW experience. You can also eventually discover that the thing you desperately want costs considerably more Gold than you currently possess.This is another long-standing WoW tradition. For players who would rather spend their limited gaming time questing, running dungeons or preparing for raids instead of farming currency, Kinguin’s in-game marketplace provides another option. Kinguin already has World of Warcraft: Forever Gold listings for EU and US, separated by faction and realm type. Need gold for the road? View all → Choose your region and realm type, then explore the available offers. EU · NORMAL Alliance Gold WoW Forever · EU Normal VIEW OFFER → EU · PVP Alliance Gold WoW Forever · EU PvP VIEW OFFER → EU · ROLEPLAY Alliance Gold WoW Forever · EU Roleplay VIEW OFFER → US · NORMAL Alliance Gold WoW Forever · US Normal VIEW OFFER → US · PVP Alliance Gold WoW Forever · US PvP VIEW OFFER → US · ROLEPLAY Alliance Gold WoW Forever · US Roleplay VIEW OFFER → Scroll to explore more offers → WoW Gold isn’t the only shortcutKinguin’s Forever marketplace also includes categories for Currencies, Items and Boosting, which means the in-game section can grow beyond Gold as more player-to-player offers appear. But there is a useful rule here, especially if you’re new:Play the game first. Learn what you enjoy. Then decide where you actually want to save time.There is little point buying something simply because another player says you “need” it. WoW is enormous. What matters to somebody pushing difficult endgame content may be completely irrelevant to somebody happily exploring Azeroth, leveling professions and collecting pets. Your journey does not need to look like somebody else’s. Even if their gear looks annoyingly good. .wow-more-master .wow-more-button { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-more-master .wow-more-button:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(242,102,33,.23) !important; } MORE FROM AZEROTH Looking for Gold, items or boosts? Explore the full World of Warcraft marketplace. SEE ALL WOW OFFERS → Returning veteran? Here’s the short versionYou already know what Azeroth is.You know what it feels like when a dungeon run becomes an entire evening. You probably have strong feelings about at least one class redesign, one capital city and one expansion somebody else inexplicably loves. So here is what actually matters.Forever takes the original level 1–60 Azeroth and gives it somewhere new to go.It isn’t simply repeating the old expansion timeline. There are more than 1,000 new quests, new and expanded areas, new dungeons, revamped classes, expanded race/class combinations, Skyborne, deeper professions, Camping and account-wide Legacy progression.Is World of Warcraft: Forever worth playing?For newcomers, Forever offers something World of Warcraft has struggled to offer for years: a natural place to begin. You don’t arrive feeling like everyone else has been living in this world for two decades while you desperately Google what happened in twelve expansions.Everyone starts at level one. Veterans get something different.The continents are familiar, but the assumption that you already know exactly what waits around the next corner is gone. And that might be Forever’s most interesting idea.Instead of simply asking players to relive World of Warcraft’s past, it takes that past and asks: What if Azeroth got another future? .wow-faq-v1, .wow-faq-v1 *{ box-sizing:border-box !important; } .wow-faq-v1 .wow-faq-row{ transition: background .2s ease, border-color .2s ease, transform .2s ease !important; } .wow-faq-v1 .wow-faq-row:hover{ background:#ffffff !important; border-color:#d7c38a !important; } .wow-faq-v1 .wow-faq-question{ cursor:pointer !important; user-select:none !important; } .wow-faq-v1 .wow-faq-icon{ transition: transform .25s ease, background .2s ease !important; } BEFORE YOU ENTER AZEROTH World of Warcraft: Forever FAQ No 20-year lore degree required. Do I need to buy World of Warcraft: Forever separately? + No. Access to World of Warcraft: Forever is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time. Optional Forever packs add additional content and extras. What is the difference between WoW Classic and WoW: Forever? + WoW Classic recreates earlier versions of World of Warcraft. Forever begins with an Azeroth inspired by the game's original era, but is designed to develop in a different direction through new quests, zones, dungeons, systems and future content. What is included in the Skyborne Heroic Pack? + The Skyborne Heroic Pack is aimed at players who want access to Skyborne and Zephras Isle together with additional cosmetics and extras. What is included in the Skyborne Epic Pack? + The Skyborne Epic Pack includes the Heroic content plus additional collectibles and 30 days of Game Time. Can you buy World of Warcraft: Forever Gold on Kinguin? + Yes. Kinguin has marketplace listings for World of Warcraft: Forever Gold across EU and US regions, including different faction and realm combinations. Always check the region, faction, realm and individual listing details before purchasing. Azeroth is waiting. Again.World of Warcraft has spent more than two decades becoming enormous. Forever does something surprisingly refreshing with all that history: it gives players another beginning.New players get an Azeroth they can enter without feeling like they arrived twenty years late. Veterans get familiar continents filled with roads they haven’t already walked a hundred times. Everyone starts again at level one and gets to find out what this version of the world becomes.If you’re ready to go, check the current World of Warcraft: Forever editions and Game Time on Kinguin, compare the available marketplace offers and make sure you have the correct region and activation method before buying.If you’re already playing and your bags are full but your wallet isn’t, WoW: Forever Gold and other in-game offers are waiting too. Then there is only one decision left. Horde or Alliance? Choose carefully. People have been arguing about this since 2004. There is absolutely no reason to stop now.
Read moreTwenty-two years later, we’re going back to where it all began. World of Warcraft: Forever is now live, opening the doors to a new version of original Azeroth built for players who remember their first trip to Stormwind just as much as those who have absolutely no idea why everyone keeps shouting “FOR THE HORDE.”Both are welcome. Forever is an unusual chapter for World of Warcraft. It isn't simply another expansion added to the end of the existing game, nor is it Classic with prettier lighting. Blizzard describes it as a new permanent home alongside Modern and Classic WoW: an Azeroth rooted in the game's original era that can continue growing in its own direction through new stories, zones, dungeons and updates.For longtime players, that means familiar roads can lead somewhere genuinely new. For everyone who has spent the last 20 years looking at WoW from the outside and thinking, surely it is far too late to start now, Forever might be one of the easiest opportunities to finally find out what all the fuss is about. So, before you choose a faction, lose several hours creating your character and develop an unhealthy relationship with the Auction House, here's what you need to know.What exactly is World of Warcraft: Forever?Let's start with the newcomers. World of Warcraft is an MMORPG, which is a very efficient way of saying that thousands of people share an enormous online fantasy world and spend their time questing, exploring, fighting monsters, running dungeons, collecting gear, learning professions, fighting each other and standing in capital cities showing off mounts that took an unreasonable amount of time to obtain.The world is Azeroth, and it has been the home of WoW since 2004. Over more than two decades, that world has changed enormously through expansions. Modern World of Warcraft has continued moving forward, while WoW Classic allowed players to revisit older versions of the game.Forever takes a different path. It goes back to the spirit and geography of original Azeroth, but instead of preserving that world exactly as it was, Blizzard is expanding it. There are familiar places alongside new and enlarged zones, more than 1,000 new quests, new dungeons, new secrets and stories that build outward from WoW's first age. The level 1–60 journey matters again, and the plan is for this version of Azeroth to continue evolving through future content rather than eventually progressing through the same expansions WoW has already had.That distinction is probably the easiest way to understand Forever. Classic asks what it was like to play old WoW again. Forever asks what old WoW could have become if Azeroth had taken another road. If you have never played World of Warcraft before, you don't need 22 years of homework to start here.If you have played World of Warcraft for 22 years, you have probably already stopped reading this section and started arguing about class balance somewhere. Welcome home.What is actually new in WoW: Forever? Quite a lot. The biggest addition you will notice immediately is Skyborne, the new playable elven race from Zephras Isle. The race splits along faction lines: Windshaper Skyborne join the Horde and can become Shamans, while High Order Skyborne join the Alliance and can become Mages. Forever also opens new race-and-class combinations including Forsaken Paladins, Dwarf Shamans, Orc Mages, Troll Warlocks, Human Hunters and Gnome Priests.The familiar classes themselves have also been reworked, with updated abilities and specializations designed to keep their original identities while giving players new options. Then there is the world. Azeroth has received environmental and lighting upgrades, but the important changes go deeper than presentation. Blizzard has filled the 1–60 journey with new stories, locations, secrets and dungeons, giving veterans reasons to wander away from the routes they could probably still navigate with their eyes closed.Professions are much more involved too, with more than 600 new recipes, new crafted bonuses and profession objects that can be placed at campsites. The new Camping system lets players build temporary camps in the world where adventurers can rest, repair, access profession tools and contribute useful objects and buffs before continuing their journey.And if you're already thinking about leveling your third alt before your first character has reached max level, Forever has something specifically for you. The new Legacy System adds account-wide progression through challenges involving classes, professions, PvP, exploration, dungeons and raids. Completing them earns Legacy Points that can unlock perks and cosmetic rewards across your account. It rewards experimenting with different parts of Azeroth without requiring you to abandon your main character to benefit from it.In other words, Forever gives you plenty of reasons to take the long way around. Veteran WoW players will understand exactly how dangerous that sentence is.Horde or Alliance? Yes, you still have to chooseSome traditions survive everything. The Alliance brings together races including Humans, Dwarves, Night Elves and Gnomes, while the Horde includes Orcs, Trolls, Tauren and Forsaken. Forever expands those possibilities further with the Skyborne, whose two branches join opposing factions.For a brand-new player, the practical answer is simple: choose whichever side has the race, fantasy and friends you actually want to play with. The emotionally correct answer is considerably more complicated and has caused arguments since 2004. #wowHordeState, #wowAllianceState { opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; } #wowDefaultState { opacity: 1; } #wowHordeTarget:target ~ #wowDefaultState, #wowAllianceTarget:target ~ #wowDefaultState { opacity: 0; } #wowHordeTarget:target ~ #wowHordeState { opacity: 1; } #wowAllianceTarget:target ~ #wowAllianceState { opacity: 1; } .wowCard { transition: opacity .25s ease, filter .25s ease; } .wowVoteText { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 1px; } .wowLink:hover .wowCard { filter: brightness(1.18); } .wowLink:hover .wowVoteText { text-decoration: underline; } CHOOSE YOUR ALLEGIANCE Pick your side H HORDE Strength. Honor. Zug zug. VOTE HORDE → A ALLIANCE Glory. Duty. VOTE ALLIANCE → THE BATTLE SO FAR 52% HORDE / 48% ALLIANCE 52% HORDE ALLIANCE 48% Choose your faction above. YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED 53% HORDE / 47% ALLIANCE 53% HORDE ALLIANCE 47% Lok'tar Ogar. Your allegiance has been sworn. YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED 51% HORDE / 49% ALLIANCE 51% HORDE ALLIANCE 49% For the Alliance. Your allegiance has been sworn. Which version of WoW: Forever should you get?This is where things can get confusing for a new player, so let's make it simple. You do not need to buy a separate base game to access World of Warcraft: Forever. Access is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time. Blizzard also offers optional Forever upgrade packs that add things such as access to the Skyborne race and its starting experience, mounts, cosmetics, pets and other extras.The Skyborne Heroic Pack is the first upgrade tier and is mainly for players who want access to Skyborne and Zephras Isle alongside its cosmetics and extras.The Skyborne Epic Pack includes the Heroic content plus additional collectibles and 30 days of Game Time.Then there is the limited-time Warcraft Forever Collection, which goes further by bundling the Epic content with Warcraft III: Reforged and the new Forsaken Kingdom campaign, making it the obvious enthusiast option for someone who wants the broader Warcraft package. And this is where it is worth checking the price before buying. .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6 { transition: transform .22s ease, box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6:hover { transform:translateY(-4px) !important; box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-cover-v6 { transition:transform .30s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6:hover .wow-cover-v6 { transform:scale(1.035) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-offer-v6 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-offer-v6:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-view-all-v6 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-view-all-v6:hover { border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } View all → Loading products... Marketplace prices can change. Check the product page for current price, region, delivery method and activation requirements.Because Kinguin is a marketplace, multiple sellers can offer the same product and competing offers can mean a lower price than buying at standard retail. That is why we would not tell you to memorize one number from this article. Check the current offers when you are ready to enter Azeroth.Is Kinguin safe for buying World of Warcraft: Forever?If you are new to Kinguin, this is a fair question. Kinguin has operated as a digital marketplace since 2013 and serves millions of customers globally. It currently holds a 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot from more than 123,000 reviews, while payment security measures include a dedicated Fraud Prevention and Response team operating 24/7. Payment details are also not shared with third-party marketplace sellers.As with any marketplace purchase, however, you should still read the listing before paying.Check whether you are buying a key or Altergift, make sure the region matches your Battle.net account, read the activation instructions and look at the seller information. Some Forever listings on Kinguin use Battle.net gifting rather than a standard CD key, so the delivery process can differ between products. Thirty seconds spent reading the product page is considerably faster than opening a support ticket because you bought the wrong region. .kg-trust-clean-v2 { transition:box-shadow .25s ease !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.08) !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-item { transition:transform .2s ease !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-item:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-check { animation:kgCleanPulse 2.8s ease-in-out infinite; } @keyframes kgCleanPulse { 0%,100% { transform:scale(1); } 50% { transform:scale(1.06); } } New to WoW? Here is what you're actually going to do in AzerothThis is the part that trailers sometimes make unnecessarily complicated. You create a character by choosing your faction, race and class, then enter Azeroth at level one. From there, you explore. You meet characters who give you quests. You fight enemies and grow stronger. You discover towns and cities, learn professions, find better equipment and gradually venture into more dangerous parts of the world.Eventually, you can enter dungeons with other players, where a small group works together against tougher enemies and bosses. At higher levels, raids bring larger groups together for some of WoW's biggest challenges. If fighting other players sounds more interesting, PvP is waiting. If none of that sounds interesting, WoW has spent more than two decades proving that people will happily log in and spend an entire evening fishing.There is no single correct way to play World of Warcraft. Some players chase the hardest bosses in the game. Some live for PvP. Some collect mounts. Some make gold through professions. Some level twelve different characters because apparently one identity wasn't enough. And some person reading this will spend four hours jumping around Stormwind while talking to their guild. That counts too.You are going to need gold. Probably more than you think.Ah, WoW Gold. You will meet each other very quickly. Gold is the everyday currency of Azeroth, and it touches an enormous amount of what you do. It can be used for trading with other players, buying gear and consumables, picking up crafting materials and paying for other useful things throughout your adventure. Kinguin already has dedicated World of Warcraft: Forever Gold marketplace listings across EU and US servers, with offers separated by faction and realm type.You can absolutely earn gold by playing. Questing, professions, trading and selling things you find are part of the normal WoW experience. You can also discover that the thing you desperately want costs considerably more gold than you currently possess. This is another long-standing WoW tradition. For players who would rather spend their limited gaming time questing, running dungeons or preparing for raids instead of farming currency, Kinguin's in-game marketplace provides another option for getting the gold they need. .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1 { transition: transform .20s ease, box-shadow .20s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1:hover { transform:translateY(-4px) !important; box-shadow:0 12px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.20) !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cover-v1 { transition:transform .28s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1:hover .kg-gold-cover-v1 { transform:scale(1.04) !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-arrow-v1 { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-arrow-v1:hover { transform:scale(1.06) !important; background:#f26621 !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cta-v1 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cta-v1:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 10px rgba(242,102,33,.22) !important; } .kg-gold-track-v1::-webkit-scrollbar { display:none !important; } Always select the correct region, faction and realm before purchasing. Delivery methods and times vary by seller.This module should not just be a product carousel. I would make the user choose EU/US → Horde/Alliance → realm type and only then display matching listings. It turns what would normally be a boring sales block into something that actually helps a WoW player avoid buying the wrong product.Gold isn't the only shortcutKinguin's Forever marketplace is structured around Currencies, Items and Boosting, which means the in-game section can grow beyond gold as more player-to-player offers appear after launch. That gives us a good rule for new players:Play the game first. Learn what you enjoy. Then decide where you actually want to save time.There is little point buying something simply because another player says you “need” it. WoW is enormous, and the things that matter to someone pushing endgame content may be completely irrelevant to someone who is happily exploring Azeroth, leveling professions and collecting pets. Your journey does not need to look like somebody else's. Even if their gear looks annoyingly good. .kg-wow-all-v2 { transition: transform .22s ease, box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; box-shadow:0 14px 30px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2 .kg-wow-all-cta-v2 { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2 .kg-wow-all-cta-v2:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(242,102,33,.24) !important; } MORE FROM AZEROTH More than gold awaits. Games, upgrades, currency, items and more — all things Warcraft in one place. SEE ALL WOW OFFERS → Returning veteran? Here's the short versionYou already know what Azeroth is. You know what it feels like when a dungeon run becomes an entire evening. You probably have strong feelings about at least one class redesign, one capital city and one expansion somebody else inexplicably loves.So here is what matters. Forever takes the original level 1–60 Azeroth and gives it somewhere new to go. It isn't simply repeating the expansion timeline. There are more than 1,000 new quests, new and expanded areas, new dungeons, revamped classes, expanded race/class combinations, Skyborne, deeper professions, Camping and account-wide Legacy progression. It is familiar enough that you will recognize home. It is different enough that you will need to explore it again.Azeroth is waiting. Again.World of Warcraft has spent more than two decades becoming enormous. Forever does something surprisingly refreshing with all that history: it gives players another beginning.New players get an Azeroth they can enter without feeling like they arrived twenty years late. Veterans get familiar continents filled with roads they haven't already walked a hundred times. Everyone starts again at level one and gets to find out what this version of the world becomes.If you're ready to go, check the current WoW: Forever editions and Game Time on Kinguin, compare the available marketplace offers and make sure you have the right region and activation method before buying. If you're already playing and your bags are full but your wallet isn't, WoW: Forever Gold and other in-game offers are waiting too.Then there is only one decision left. Horde or Alliance? Choose carefully, people have been arguing about this for 22 years. There is absolutely no reason to stop now.
Read moreThe games most like The Blood of Dawnwalker are Vampyr, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Vampyr is the closest vampire match, with a cursed protagonist, claw-based combat and feeding choices that change the world around you. The Witcher 3 shares its creative lineage and dark fantasy storytelling, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance II offers the directional melee combat and grounded medieval drama many Dawnwalker fans enjoy.Best Games Like The Blood of Dawnwalker at a GlanceVampyr — A 2018 vampire RPG where a doctor feeds on Londoners, the closest match to Coen's nightly hunger.Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines — Troika's cult vampire RPG with clan powers, sharp writing and choices that reshape every conversation.Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 — A 2025 sequel set among Seattle's vampires, offering supernatural powers but a mixed player reception.V Rising — A survival game where you rebuild a vampire's power, hunting at night and hiding from the sun.Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered — A remaster of two gothic action-adventures set in Nosgoth, rich in dark fantasy and brooding atmosphere.Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition — A gothic hack-and-slash about Gabriel Belmont fighting vampires and darker forces across a medieval Europe.The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition — A huge open-world RPG where the Dawnguard expansion lets you become a vampire lord.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — CD Projekt RED's dark fantasy RPG, directed by the man who now leads Rebel Wolves.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II — A first-person medieval RPG with directional swordplay and grounded storytelling in 15th-century Bohemia.Cyberpunk 2077 — CD Projekt RED's story-driven open-world RPG, built on the same studio tradition as Dawnwalker's team.Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian's turn-based fantasy RPG with deep choices and a vampire spawn among its companions.Mass Effect Legendary Edition — BioWare's remastered sci-fi trilogy, where choices and companions carry across three connected games.VampyrAction RPG · Vampire curse, feeding choices · for Players who want the closest vampire matchVampire: The Masquerade - BloodlinesImmersive vampire RPG · Vampire powers, dialogue-driven story · for Fans of classic RPG writingVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2Action RPG · Vampire abilities, night-time city · for Vampire fans tolerant of rough edgesV RisingSurvival, base-building · Day-night danger, blood management · for Players who enjoy co-op and craftingLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 RemasteredAction-adventure, platformer · Gothic dark fantasy, soul feeding · for Fans of classic story-driven adventuresCastlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate EditionHack and slash · Gothic vampires, melee combat · for Players who prefer action over dialogueThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionOpen-world RPG · Optional vampire transformation, open world · for Explorers who like long-term character buildsThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntOpen-world action RPG · Same director, dark fantasy writing · for Anyone who wants the studio's rootsKingdom Come: Deliverance IIFirst-person medieval RPG · Directional melee, grounded storytelling · for Players who love realistic sword combatCyberpunk 2077Open-world action RPG · CD Projekt storytelling, mature themes · for Story fans open to sci-fiBaldur’s Gate 3Turn-based CRPG · Choices matter, vampire companion · for Players who value branching storiesMass Effect Legendary EditionSci-fi action RPG · Strong protagonist, consequential choices · for Fans of companion-driven trilogiesWhat Makes a Game Feel Like The Blood of Dawnwalker?A game feels like The Blood of Dawnwalker when it pulls on one of two threads. The first is the vampire fantasy: playing a cursed hero, using supernatural powers, managing a hunger for blood and walking through a gothic world after dark. The second is the craft Rebel Wolves inherited from The Witcher 3: a defined protagonist, morally gray writing, quests with consequences and weighty melee combat where the direction of each swing matters. Coen's split between human days and vampire nights, under a 30-day deadline, adds time pressure that makes every choice feel costly.Games Like The Blood of Dawnwalker for the Vampire FantasyThese picks are for players who finished Dawnwalker wanting more nights as a monster. Each one puts vampires at the center, whether you play as one, hunt them or slowly become one, and most lean into gothic atmosphere, blood-driven powers and uneasy moral choices.VampyrReleased2018DeveloperDONTNOD EntertainmentPublisherFocus EntertainmentMetacritic score72Steam scoreMostly PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, HorrorSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS *: Windows 7/8/10 (64 bits) Processor: Intel Core i3-2130 (3.4 GHz)/AMD FX-4100 (3.6 GHz) Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: 2 GB, GeForce GTX 1050 (Legacy GPU: GeForce GTX 660) / Radeon R7 370 Storage: 20 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS *: Windows 7/8/10 (64 bits) Processor: Intel Core i7-3930K (3.2 GHz)/AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (3.2 GHz) Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: 4 GB, GeForce GeForce GTX 970 / GTX 1060 / Radeon R9 390 Storage: 20 GB available space Vampyr is a 2018 action RPG by DONTNOD Entertainment, and many Dawnwalker players call it the closest vampire game to Rebel Wolves' debut. You play Jonathan Reid, a doctor turned into a vampire in 1918 London, torn between his oath to heal and his need to feed. There is also a fun link between the two games: Anthony Howell, who voiced Jonathan Reid, plays Pieter, Coen's father, in The Blood of Dawnwalker. Players often point to the shared claw-based combat and the weight of deciding who you feed on.The core loop mixes third-person melee with vampire abilities that you unlock by drinking blood. The catch is that the most powerful experience comes from feeding on named citizens, each with a backstory, relationships and secrets you uncover through conversation. Kill someone and their district can slide toward chaos, so every meal reshapes the city. Combat is simpler than in Dawnwalker and leans on dodging, stamina and blood powers, but the choice system around feeding gives it a moral tension that very few other vampire games match.Vampyr holds a Metacritic score of 72 and a Mostly Positive rating from Steam players, which reflects a game with clear rough edges and a loyal audience. Its combat can feel stiff and some areas repeat, yet the atmosphere of plague-ridden London and the feeding dilemmas still land well. If Coen's nightly struggle with his hunger was the part of Dawnwalker that stayed with you, Vampyr is the most natural next step, and its modest system requirements make it easy to run on most current PCs.Get Vampyr on KinguinVampire: The Masquerade - BloodlinesReleased2004DeveloperTroika GamesPublisherActivisionMetacritic score80Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, HorrorSystem requirementsMinimum: Required: 3D hardware accelerator card required - 100% DirectX® 9.0c-compatible 64MB video card and drivers 1.2 GHz Athlon™ or 1.2 GHz Pentium® III processor or higher 384MB of RAM (512MB of RAM recommended) Microsoft® Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP * 3.3 GB of uncompressed hard disk space for game files and saved games (plus 1.4 GB for Windows® swap file) 100% DirectX® 9.0-compatible 16-bit sound card and drivers 100% Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP-compatible mouse, keyboard, and drivers DirectX® 9.0c * Does not support Windows XP 64 Supported Chipsets for 98/ME/200/XP: All ATI® Radeon® Chipsets All NVIDIA® GeForce(tm) Chipsets Matrox® Parhelia(tm) Chipset Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is a cult classic RPG from Troika Games, originally released in 2004 and published by Activision. It shares Dawnwalker's interest in what it means to live as a vampire among humans, but tells that story through dialogue, factions and dark humor. You create a newly turned vampire in Los Angeles, choose a clan and get pulled into the politics of the night. It holds a Metacritic score of 80 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, a sign of how well it has endured.Your clan defines how you play. Some open up persuasion and social manipulation, others favor stealth, brute force or blood magic, and each changes how characters react to you. Quests can usually be solved in several ways, and the writing gives even small side characters a strong personality. The combat, a mix of first- and third-person melee and gunplay, is the weakest part of the package and has not aged well. Players who come for the role-playing usually forgive it, because the choices feel more meaningful than the fights.Bloodlines is from 2004, and it looks and plays like it. Expect dated visuals, clunky controls and some technical quirks, and many players add community patches for a smoother run. What still holds up is the atmosphere and the writing, which explain why the game is remembered as one of the best vampire RPGs ever made. If you want to see where the modern vampire RPG grew from, or simply want a story full of memorable characters, it is worth the patience in 2026.Get Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines on KinguinVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2Released2025DeveloperThe Chinese RoomPublisherParadox InteractiveSteam scoreMixedCategoriesRPG, ActionSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) Processor: Intel Core i3-8350K | AMD Ryzen 3 3300X Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) | AMD Radeon RX 480 (8GB) | Intel Arc A580 (8GB, Resizable BAR enabled) | AMD Radeon 780M | ROG Xbox Ally X DirectX: Version 12 Storage: 30 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 11 Processor: Intel Core i5-12600K | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (8GB) | AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12GB) DirectX: Version 12 Storage: 30 GB available space Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 is a 2025 action RPG developed by The Chinese Room and published by Paradox Interactive. It is the long-awaited sequel to the 2004 cult classic and, like Dawnwalker, puts you in control of a vampire with powers that make you far stronger than the people around you. The setting moves to Seattle, where you navigate the politics of the city's vampire society while trying to keep your nature hidden from humans. It is the most direct modern answer to anyone who wants more vampire nights.Compared with the original, this sequel leans more toward action. Supernatural abilities are central to combat and movement, and you can mix them with melee attacks to handle groups of enemies. Dialogue and faction choices are still part of the experience, though the focus has shifted from a sprawling role-playing sandbox to a more guided story. For Dawnwalker fans, the most familiar element is the feeling of using vampire powers in fights, closer to Coen's night-time abilities than to traditional RPG spellcasting.Bloodlines 2 holds a Mixed rating from Steam players, so it is fair to approach it with tempered expectations. It does not carry the same reputation as the original, and players are divided on how well it lives up to that legacy. Still, it is one of the few recent big-budget games built entirely around playing a vampire. If you have already finished Vampyr and the first Bloodlines and want a modern take on the same fantasy, it is worth trying with that caveat in mind.Get Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 on KinguinV RisingReleased2024DeveloperStunlock StudiosPublisherStunlock StudiosMetacritic score83Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, RPGSystem requirements Minimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: Windows 10 64 bit. Processor: Intel Core i5-6600, 3.3 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, 3.5 GHz. Memory: 12 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti (Maxwell or newer), 2 GB or AMD Radeon R7 360, 2 GB. DirectX: Version 11. Network: Broadband Internet connection. Storage: 19 GB available space. Additional Notes: Minimum System Requirements might change in the future. Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: Windows 10 64 bit. Processor: Intel Core i5-11600K, 3.9 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, 3.7 GHz. Memory: 12 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070, 8 GB or AMD Radeon RX 590, 8 GB. DirectX: Version 11. Network: Broadband Internet connection. Storage: 19 GB available space. Additional Notes: Recommended System Requirements might change in the future. V Rising is a 2024 open-world survival game from Stunlock Studios, and it takes the vampire fantasy in a very different direction from Dawnwalker. You wake as a weakened vampire after a long slumber and gradually rebuild your strength, your castle and your following. What links the two games is the rhythm of day and night: sunlight is a real threat, so you plan your hunts and travels around it, much like Coen has to balance what he can do by day and by night.The gameplay is built around crafting, base-building and isometric action combat. You gather resources, construct and expand a castle, and hunt powerful bosses to absorb their blood and unlock new abilities. Blood quality matters, since feeding on different targets grants different bonuses, which gives the game its own version of blood management. You can play solo or online with friends in co-op, and dedicated PvP and PvE servers offer very different experiences depending on how competitive you want it to be.V Rising holds a Metacritic score of 83 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, making it one of the best-received vampire games of recent years. It suits players who enjoyed Dawnwalker's night-time powers and want to spend many more hours feeling like a predator, especially with friends. Just know that this is not a narrative RPG. There is little dialogue or story choice here, so treat it as a long-term sandbox rather than a follow-up to Coen's tale, best enjoyed in long sessions.Get V Rising on KinguinLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 RemasteredReleased2024DeveloperAspyr / Crystal DynamicsPublisherAspyrSteam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, Hack and SlashSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10+ Processor: Intel i3 / AMD FX-4100 Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce GT 620 1gb / Radeon HD 8670D Storage: 2 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system Processor: Intel i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800 Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2080 /Radeon RX 6750 Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is a 2024 collection from Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics that brings two classic gothic action-adventures back to modern hardware. You play Raziel, a former vampire lieutenant betrayed by his master Kain and reborn as a soul-devouring wraith in the decaying world of Nosgoth. For Dawnwalker fans, the connection is the dark fantasy tone and a hero caught between two states of existence, with a story built on betrayal, curses and family-like loyalties gone wrong.The gameplay combines third-person combat, platforming and environmental puzzles. Raziel can shift between the material and spectral realms, which changes the layout of the world and opens new paths. He feeds on the souls of defeated enemies to restore his health, a mechanic that echoes the role of blood in Dawnwalker. Combat is fairly simple by modern standards, and much of the challenge comes from exploring and solving puzzles rather than mastering complex sword techniques. Switching realms to reach new areas is the series' signature idea and still feels clever.The remaster holds a Very Positive rating from Steam players, who appreciate seeing both classic games return in updated form. The series is remembered above all for its voice acting and theatrical, almost Shakespearean dialogue, which still stands out today. It is a great choice for players who loved Dawnwalker's gothic atmosphere and want something shorter and more focused. Its light system requirements also make it easy to play on older PCs and handheld gaming PCs, so almost anyone can try it.Get Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered on KinguinCastlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate EditionReleased2013DeveloperMercurySteam / Climax StudiosPublisherKONAMISteam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, Story Rich, Hack and SlashSystem requirementsMinimum: OS *: Windows XP – Service Pack 3 Processor: 2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo Memory: 1 GB RAM Graphics: Direct X9 compatible video card 512Mb Ram DirectX®: 9.0 Hard Drive: 15 GB HD space Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection Additional: Keyboard or Xinput compatible Joypad for control Recommended: OS *: Windows 7 or higher Processor: Quad Core CPU Memory: 2 GB RAM Graphics: Direct X11 compatible video card with 1024Mb Ram DirectX®: 11 Hard Drive: 15 GB HD space Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection Additional: Keyboard or Xinput compatible Joypad for control Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition is a gothic hack-and-slash game developed by MercurySteam and Climax Studios and published by Konami, released on PC in 2013. You play Gabriel Belmont, a holy warrior fighting vampires, werewolves and other creatures across a dark medieval Europe. It connects to Dawnwalker through its gothic setting, its vampire-heavy bestiary and a personal story driven by grief and family, even if it is far more linear than Rebel Wolves' RPG. Its tone is serious and mournful rather than playful.Combat is the heart of the game. Gabriel's Combat Cross works like a chained whip, and you build combos, dodge and block while switching between light and shadow magic to heal or deal extra damage. Large boss fights, including climbing on enormous creatures, are among the highlights, while quick-time events appear in many cinematic moments. There is no open world and few story choices, so the experience focuses on fighting and exploring a sequence of handcrafted levels. Upgrading Gabriel's moves with experience keeps the combat evolving as you progress.The Ultimate Edition holds a Very Positive rating from Steam players and bundles the base game with its additional content. It suits players who loved the combat side of Dawnwalker and want a more action-focused take on fighting vampires, with less dialogue and more spectacle. The visuals show their age in places, but the art direction and gothic architecture still look striking. Its modest hardware requirements also mean it runs well on most systems, including lower-end laptops and handheld gaming PCs.Get Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition on KinguinThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionReleased2016DeveloperBethesda Game StudiosPublisherBethesda SoftworksMetacritic score84Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction Games, Adventure, RPG, Open WorldSystem requirementsOS *: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit Version), Processor: Intel i5-2400/AMD FX-8320, Memory: 8 GB RAM, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB /AMD R9 290 4GB, Storage: 12 GB available spaceThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is a remastered open-world RPG from Bethesda Game Studios. On the surface, it is a fantasy adventure about dragons, but it also offers one of the most popular ways to become a vampire in gaming. The Dawnguard expansion, included in this edition, adds a full vampire questline where you can side with an ancient vampire clan or with the hunters trying to stop it. That optional curse makes it a natural match for Dawnwalker fans.As a vampire, you gain new powers but must feed regularly, and sunlight weakens you while some townsfolk react with hostility. Dawnguard also adds the Vampire Lord transformation, which turns you into a winged creature with blood magic and the ability to drain enemies. Outside the vampire content, Skyrim offers a huge open world, freeform character progression and countless side quests. Combat is simpler than Dawnwalker's directional swordplay, but you can mix melee, magic and archery as you like and build a character that fits your style.Skyrim holds a Metacritic score of 84 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, and it remains one of the most played RPGs on PC. Its modding community is a major reason to play it in 2026, since mods can improve visuals, rework combat and add new quests, including more vampire content. It is the right pick for players who want to live as a vampire for dozens or hundreds of hours and enjoy shaping their own adventure without a fixed protagonist.Get The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on KinguinGames Like The Blood of Dawnwalker for the Story and CombatThese games skip the fangs but deliver what many players loved most about Dawnwalker: a strong lead character, writing with real consequences and combat that rewards skill. Several come from the same Polish RPG tradition that shaped Rebel Wolves, and one shares its directional swordplay.The Witcher 3: Wild HuntKinguin score4.5Released2015DeveloperCD Projekt REDPublisherCD Projekt REDMetacritic score91Steam scoreOverwhelmingly PositiveCategoriesAdventureStrategyRPGStory richSystem requirementsMin: Windows 7/10 64-bit, Intel Core i5-2500K, 6 GB RAM, GTX 660 / HD 7870, 35 GB HDD. Recommended: i7-3770, 8 GB RAM, GTX 770.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a 2015 open-world RPG from CD Projekt RED, and it is the clearest spiritual ancestor of The Blood of Dawnwalker. Rebel Wolves was founded by former CD Projekt developers, and its director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz directed The Witcher 3. You play Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter Ciri. The search for family, the morally gray choices and the dark fantasy setting all feel familiar to anyone coming from Dawnwalker. In many ways, it is the template Rebel Wolves set out to build on.Gameplay combines third-person sword combat, signs (simple magic), alchemy and investigation of monster contracts. Quests rarely have clean outcomes, and decisions made early can return hours later in unexpected ways. The Blood and Wine expansion is especially interesting for Dawnwalker fans, as it centers on higher vampires in the sunny duchy of Toussaint. Combat does not use directional swordplay like Dawnwalker, but preparation, oils and potions give fights a thoughtful rhythm, especially on higher difficulty levels where careless attacks get punished.The Witcher 3 holds a Metacritic score of 91 and an Overwhelmingly Positive rating from Steam players, which puts it among the most acclaimed RPGs ever made. Even years after release, its writing, characters and side quests remain a benchmark for the genre. For anyone who enjoyed Dawnwalker's storytelling, it is the obvious next step and shows where the team's approach to quests and characters comes from. With its expansions, it offers well over a hundred hours of play, and it runs on a wide range of PCs.Get The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on KinguinKingdom Come: Deliverance IIReleased2025DeveloperWarhorse StudiosPublisherDeep SilverMetacritic score89Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, Open WorldSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer) Processor: Intel Core i5-8400, AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB), AMD Radeon RX 580 Storage: 100 GB available space Additional Notes: SSD required Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer) Processor: Intel Core i7-13700K, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D Memory: 32 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT Storage: 100 GB available space Additional Notes: SSD required Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a 2025 medieval RPG from Warhorse Studios, published by Deep Silver. It plays in first person rather than third, but it uses directional melee combat, which makes it one of the closest matches to the swordplay in The Blood of Dawnwalker. You follow Henry through 15th-century Bohemia in a grounded story without magic or monsters. Players often recommend it to Dawnwalker fans for its writing and characters as much as for its combat, even though it has no supernatural elements at all.Fights revolve around choosing the direction of your attacks, reading your opponent's guard and timing blocks and counters. It takes practice, and it rewards patience over button mashing. Around the combat sits a detailed simulation of medieval life, with skills that improve through use, hunger and fatigue, reputation with different groups and many ways to solve quests through dialogue, stealth or force. Choices affect how characters and towns treat you, and the main story is full of memorable personalities worth getting to know.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II holds a Metacritic score of 89 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. It is one of the strongest recent RPGs for players who want a grounded historical setting and a steep but satisfying combat system. Keep in mind that it is demanding on hardware, requiring an SSD and around 100 GB of storage. If directional swordplay was your favorite part of Dawnwalker, this is the game to play next, and the learning curve pays off within a few hours.Get Kingdom Come: Deliverance II on KinguinCyberpunk 2077Released2020DeveloperCD PROJEKT REDPublisherCD PROJEKT REDMetacritic score86Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAdventure, Strategy, RPG, Story richSystem requirementsRequires a 64-bit processor and operating system; OS: 64-bit Windows 10; Processor: Core i7-12700 or Ryzen 7 7800X3D; Memory: 16 GB RAM; Graphics: GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER or Radeon RX 5700 XT or Arc A770; DirectX: Version 12; Storage: 70 GB available space; Additional Notes: SSD required.Cyberpunk 2077 is a 2020 open-world action RPG from CD Projekt RED, the studio where many Rebel Wolves developers built their careers. It trades dark fantasy for a futuristic Night City, but the storytelling approach will feel familiar to Dawnwalker fans: a defined lead character, morally complex side quests and a main story driven by a ticking clock. You play V, a mercenary dealing with a life-threatening problem, much like Coen fighting against the 30-day deadline to save his family.Combat is mostly first-person, with firearms, melee weapons, cyberware implants and hacking that let you build very different playstyles. You can fight head-on, sneak through areas or disable enemies remotely. Quests often branch based on dialogue choices, and companions such as Johnny Silverhand play a central role in the story. The Phantom Liberty expansion adds a spy thriller storyline with its own branching outcomes, and it is well worth experiencing for its writing and characters and its tense, focused missions.Cyberpunk 2077 holds a Metacritic score of 86 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. The game had a troubled launch in 2020, but years of updates have turned it into one of CD Projekt RED's most respected works. It suits Dawnwalker fans who care more about writing and characters than about the vampire setting. Just note that it is demanding, with an SSD required and around 70 GB of storage space needed for the base game. A capable PC will get the most out of Night City.Get Cyberpunk 2077 on KinguinBaldur’s Gate 3Kinguin score4.5Released2023DeveloperLarian StudiosPublisherLarian StudiosMetacritic score92Steam scoreOverwhelmingly PositiveCategoriesAdventureStrategyRPGStory richSystem requirementsMin: Windows 10/11 64-bit, Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, GTX 660 / Radeon HD 7870; Recommended: i7, 16 GB RAM, GTX 1070Baldur’s Gate 3 is a 2023 fantasy RPG from Larian Studios, based on Dungeons & Dragons. It plays very differently from Dawnwalker, with turn-based combat instead of real-time swordplay, but it shares the focus on choices that matter and characters with real depth. One of its most popular companions, Astarion, is a vampire spawn, and his storyline explores hunger, control and freedom in a way that will feel familiar to anyone who spent nights as Coen. It is also a fine pick for anyone who enjoys a big party of companions.You create your own hero or play as one of the predefined origin characters, then travel with a party of companions whose reactions depend on your decisions. Combat is tactical and turn-based, using terrain, height, spells and items to outsmart enemies. Quests can be approached in many ways, from persuasion to stealth to open fighting, and the game remembers your choices across its three acts. It also supports co-op, so you can play the whole story with friends and compare the very different paths each of you took.Baldur’s Gate 3 is widely regarded as one of the best RPGs of recent years and set a new standard for choice-driven storytelling. For Dawnwalker fans, it is a strong pick if the moral decisions and character relationships were what kept you playing. The turn-based combat takes some getting used to if you prefer action, but it rewards planning and creativity. With its length and multiple origin characters, it also offers great replay value well into 2026, especially if you try a different origin or alignment on a second run.Get Baldur’s Gate 3 on KinguinMass Effect Legendary EditionReleased2021DeveloperBioWarePublisherElectronic ArtsMetacritic score87Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, AdventureSystem requirementsRequires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: 64-bit Windows 10. Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X. Memory: 16 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 / RTX 200, Radeon Vega 56, 4 GB Video Memory. DirectX: Version 11. Storage: 120 GB available space.Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a 2021 remaster of BioWare's original sci-fi trilogy, published by Electronic Arts. It has no vampires and no swords, but it delivers what many Dawnwalker players value most: a strong protagonist, memorable companions and choices with lasting consequences. You play Commander Shepard, leading a crew across the galaxy to confront a threat to all life, and decisions made in the first game can shape events in the third. That long-term payoff is something few RPG series have matched since.Gameplay combines third-person cover shooting with abilities based on your chosen class, such as biotic powers or tech skills. You recruit and command a squad of companions, each with personal missions, relationships and moral dilemmas. Dialogue choices shape your reputation and how characters respond to you. The remaster updates the visuals and improves several gameplay elements of the first game, which makes the full trilogy easier to enjoy today than playing the original releases on modern hardware, without old technical hurdles.Mass Effect Legendary Edition holds a Metacritic score of 87 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. It suits Dawnwalker fans who enjoyed the storytelling and want a long, character-driven journey with choices that carry forward. Playing all three games back to back makes your decisions feel more personal, especially in the final chapter. It needs around 120 GB of storage, so check your free space before installing. Few RPG series reward patience with such a satisfying sense of continuity across all three games.Get Mass Effect Legendary Edition on KinguinFrequently Asked QuestionsWhat type of game is The Blood of Dawnwalker?The Blood of Dawnwalker is a dark fantasy action RPG developed by Rebel Wolves and published by Bandai Namco, released in September 2026. You play Coen, who is human by day and a vampire by night, and has 30 in-game days to save his family. It combines directional swordplay with vampire powers and blood management.What is the best vampire game like The Blood of Dawnwalker?Vampyr is the vampire game most players point to as the closest match. You play a doctor turned vampire in 1918 London, and many players note its claw combat and feeding choices feel similar. Anthony Howell, who voiced Vampyr's hero, also plays Coen's father in Dawnwalker. Bloodlines and V Rising are strong alternatives.Is there a game with combat like The Blood of Dawnwalker?Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the closest match for Dawnwalker's directional melee combat. It plays in first person, but you choose the direction of each attack and time blocks against your opponent's guard. For a story-driven alternative, The Witcher 3 offers third-person swordplay, though without directional attacks.Are there any sequels to The Blood of Dawnwalker?No sequel has been announced so far. The Blood of Dawnwalker is the first game from Rebel Wolves, a Polish studio founded by former CD Projekt developers, and it was released in September 2026. Until the studio shares more, games like Vampyr and The Witcher 3 are the best way to continue.Is The Blood of Dawnwalker similar to The Witcher 3?Yes, in several ways. Rebel Wolves was founded by former CD Projekt developers, and director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz directed The Witcher 3. Both are dark fantasy RPGs with a defined protagonist and morally complex choices. Dawnwalker adds directional swordplay, vampire powers at night and a 30-day deadline that puts time pressure on every decision.
Read moreAutumn has a strange way of convincing us that we should learn how to make things. Maybe this will finally be the year we learn to sew. Maybe we should start making our own clothes. Perhaps we need a box full of beautiful fabric scraps, even though we have absolutely no plan for what happens after we buy them. One particularly ambitious Pinterest board later, we are apparently also restoring old furniture and opening an Etsy shop.We support the vision. We also know that starting a new hobby usually means buying supplies, finding somewhere to keep those supplies and eventually discovering that sewing in a straight line is a skill rather than a basic human instinct.Games make the first step much easier. There is a particular kind of comfort in games that let you make something slowly. You choose the fabric, move the pieces around until they fit, add a little detail because it makes you happy and eventually get to look at something that did not exist before you sat down.So, for our final autumn hobby, we are putting away the fishing rod and mushroom basket and getting crafty. There are dresses to sew, quilts to finish, stickers to design and old things that deserve another chance.Dressmaker lets you discover exactly how ambitious your sewing era really is If you have ever looked at a beautiful dress and thought that making one yourself cannot possibly be that difficult, Dressmaker is here to answer that question. Released in September 2026, Dressmaker is built around the actual process of making clothes rather than simply choosing a design and watching a progress bar fill up. You select fabrics, arrange pattern pieces, cut them out and sew the panels together before adding buttons, bows, appliqué, lace and other decorations. Even the way you position a pattern on the fabric matters, because what you cut is what eventually appears on the finished garment.There is something especially satisfying about how physical the whole process feels. You guide fabric through the sewing machine yourself and gradually watch separate pieces become an actual dress. If you care about doing things properly, there is plenty here to learn about grain, bias, measurements and using your fabric efficiently. If you mostly care about making something beautiful, there is also plenty of room to experiment with colors, materials and decorations.And because this is a video game, making a mistake does not mean staring at a crooked seam for twenty minutes before reluctantly reaching for the seam ripper. That alone might make this the superior form of sewing.The finished dresses can be made for commissions or created from your own ideas, which makes Dressmaker feel less like a fashion dress-up game and much more like having a little digital sewing room of your own. You begin with fabric and a pattern. A while later, there is a dress on the mannequin that exists because of all the tiny decisions you made along the way. We understand why people get into this hobby now. We are still slightly afraid of real sewing machines. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Quilts and Cats of Calico answers the important question: what if quilting had more cats? There are few things more naturally cozy than a handmade quilt. Apparently, one of them is a handmade quilt with a sleeping cat on top. Quilts and Cats of Calico turns quilting into a puzzle where you arrange patterned fabric scraps into a growing design. Matching colors and patterns helps you score, while creating the right combinations lets you sew buttons onto your quilt and attract cats, each of whom has their own very specific preferences about what constitutes an acceptable place for a nap.The actual sewing is abstracted into a board-game puzzle, so you will not be threading needles or guiding fabric through a machine here. Instead, the pleasure comes from taking a collection of pieces that do not seem particularly useful on their own and slowly finding a way to make them belong together.Sometimes you will place a patch because it is exactly what your carefully planned quilt needs. Sometimes you will place it because a cat likes that pattern. We know which design philosophy we respect more.The cats themselves wander around the board, nap on your work and can even be petted while you play. You can create your own cats too, customizing their appearance and giving them little outfits before allowing them to interfere with your quilting session. Anyone who has attempted a craft project in a house with a cat will recognize this as an unusually accurate simulation. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Patchwork turns the scrap basket into a very clever little puzzle If Quilts and Cats of Calico makes you want more patchwork but you would prefer your quilting session with slightly fewer feline supervisors, there is always Patchwork. This digital adaptation of Uwe Rosenberg's board game gives two players their own empty quilt and a shared selection of fabric pieces. Each patch has its own shape and cost, and choosing one also uses up time, so building a beautiful quilt becomes a surprisingly thoughtful exercise in deciding which pieces are worth taking and how to fit them together without leaving awkward gaps.It captures something very satisfying about real patchwork without asking you to actually sew anything. A strange little piece that seemed impossible to use five minutes ago might suddenly fit perfectly into the one annoying gap you have been staring at. Slowly, the empty board fills with different colors and patterns until you have something that looks like a quilt rather than a collection of questionable decisions.There is competition involved, so this one can become considerably less peaceful if you and your chosen quilting partner are both taking the button economy seriously. Apparently even sewing can have enemies. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... .kg-newsletter-v4 { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4:focus { outline:none !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(242,102,33,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-checkbox-v4 { accent-color:#f26621 !important; cursor:pointer !important; } Join our newsletter Deals, new releases and gaming picks worth opening another tab for. Enter a valid email address. I agree to receive marketing communication from Kinguin. Please tick the box to join. Nice. You’re on the list ✓ Something went wrong. Please try again. Assemble with Care is for everyone who cannot throw old things away Not everything we make needs to start from scratch. Sometimes the nicest thing you can do with your hands is take something broken and give it another chance.Assemble with Care follows Maria, an antique restorer who arrives in the town of Bellariva and begins repairing treasured possessions for the people who live there. You take objects apart, examine how their pieces work together and carefully rebuild them until an old camera, cassette player or another well-loved object can work again.There is a wonderfully tactile quality to these repairs. Screws need removing, parts need turning over and mechanisms need understanding before everything can go back where it belongs. The puzzles are gentle enough that the act of fixing something remains the focus, and the objects themselves carry memories for the people who bring them to you.That makes each repair feel a little more meaningful than simply getting a machine working again. Most of us have at least one thing we keep because it belonged to someone, reminds us of somewhere or has simply been around for so long that throwing it away feels wrong. Assemble with Care understands that objects can collect stories along with their scratches. Sometimes fixing an old thing is easier than replacing it. Sometimes it means more, too. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Sticky Business is your Etsy era without the trip to the post office Perhaps fabric is not your thing. Perhaps your true calling is owning an online sticker shop with an extremely specific aesthetic.Sticky Business lets you design your own stickers by combining different graphics, shapes and effects into whatever tiny creations your heart desires. You build collections, arrange sticker sheets and sell your designs through your own little online business. When an order arrives, you pack it yourself and can add extras to make the parcel feel special for the person opening it. It is that last part that makes the whole thing especially lovely.Your customers are not just order numbers appearing on a screen. As people return to your shop, you learn pieces of their stories through their orders. The stickers you design begin to feel like small things being sent to actual people rather than products disappearing into an imaginary delivery van. And because you control the designs, your shop can become as specific as you want it to be. You can make cute animals, witchy stickers, ridiculous faces or cover everything in sparkles because nobody can stop you.This is your small business. There is no brand manager. Go wild. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Tiny Bookshop is what happens when DIY becomes making a space feel like yours Tiny Bookshop stretches our definition of DIY a little, because you will not be sewing, cutting or repairing anything here. But anyone who has ever spent an entire weekend rearranging a room knows that making a space your own can scratch exactly the same creative itch.You run a tiny second-hand bookshop from a trailer and travel around the seaside town of Bookstonbury, setting up in different locations and getting to know the people who stop by. Alongside choosing which books to stock and recommending them to customers, you can fill your shop with objects you collect and decide what kind of place you want it to become.You can cover it in plants. You can lean into candles and make it feel a little mysterious. You can surround yourself with the kinds of things you would actually want nearby while spending a quiet afternoon selling books.Those decorations are not completely cosmetic either. Items can affect customers and introduce new mechanics, so making the shop feel like yours also changes how your little business works. There is no fabric involved and we cannot reasonably call rearranging a bookshop sewing. We tried. But Tiny Bookshop understands the same pleasure that runs through every game on this list: starting with something plain and slowly adding little pieces of yourself until it feels like yours. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Maybe this autumn we make somethingOur autumn hobby club started in the kitchen. Then we went fishing, disappeared into the woods looking for mushrooms and somehow ended up here, surrounded by fabric scraps, buttons, stickers and one cat that has decided to sleep directly on our unfinished quilt.That feels like a pretty good place to finish. There is something especially comforting about making things during the slower part of the year. You do not necessarily need the finished object to be perfect, useful or impressive enough to show anyone else. Sometimes choosing the fabric is fun. Sometimes arranging tiny stickers for twenty minutes is fun. Sometimes fixing an old cassette player or decorating a miniature bookshop is enough to make an evening feel nicely spent.And games let us enjoy that little spark of creativity without needing a craft room, a sewing machine or a drawer containing 47 different kinds of glue. Although, after playing Dressmaker, we cannot promise you will not start looking at sewing machines. If that happens, we accept no responsibility. Happy crafting 🧵 Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale →
Read moreThere is a point every autumn when perfectly normal people suddenly start looking at the forest floor with great interest. A little rain falls, the leaves turn orange and mushroom season begins. Someone in your family already knows the spot. Someone else refuses to tell anyone where the spot is. There are baskets involved. Boots come out. Every walk through the woods becomes a treasure hunt. Unfortunately, real mushroom picking comes with one fairly important rule: you really need to know what you’re picking. Video games are much more forgiving.In Among Trees, you can wander through a beautiful wilderness and gather mushrooms on your way home. Cozy Grove hides different varieties among its leaf piles. Potion Permit lets you forage for mushrooms and turn what you find into something useful, while Wytchwood takes the whole autumn-foraging fantasy and adds witchcraft, potions and ingredients with names like Hagshroom. And if picking mushrooms isn’t enough, we also found games where you can identify strange fungi, wear a mushroom hat or simply become a mushroom yourself. 🍄 Grab a basket. We’re going into the woods. Among Trees makes getting lost in the woods sound like a very good plan Most of us have been taught that wandering alone into the wilderness with no clear plan is generally a bad idea. Among Trees makes a surprisingly convincing counterargument. You begin with a small wooden cabin hidden deep in a colorful forest and gradually learn how to live around it. The wilderness provides much of what you need, which means leaving the safety of your little home to explore, gather resources and see what is growing beyond the next patch of trees. Mushrooms are among the things you can forage directly from the forest floor, alongside plants such as chicory and other useful materials.That simple act of heading outside to see what you can find gives Among Trees much of its autumn charm. A trip through the woods does not always need a grand destination. Sometimes you notice something useful growing nearby, take a small detour to collect it and eventually return to your cabin with a backpack full of things you did not necessarily leave home looking for.There is survival involved, so this is not a completely responsibility-free walk in the woods. You need food, you need resources and the wilderness deserves a little respect. But there are long stretches where simply exploring the forest becomes its own reward.And honestly, coming home to a tiny wooden cabin after spending the afternoon gathering mushrooms in the woods might be the most aggressively autumn activity a video game can offer. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Cozy Grove knows that the best mushrooms are hiding under the leaves Cozy Grove already has an excellent setup for anyone currently experiencing mushroom season brainrot: you are a Spirit Scout camping on a haunted island, surrounded by forests, friendly ghost bears and a seemingly endless supply of little things waiting to be discovered.Naturally, there are mushrooms. Several kinds, actually. While exploring the island and rummaging through leaf piles, you can find varieties including brown and red mushrooms, poison mushrooms, chanterelles and rarer trumpet mushrooms. Your finds can then be burned into roasted mushrooms and used in cooking, donated to your collection or occasionally handed over to hungry imps.It makes mushroom hunting part of the larger pleasure of checking in on the island each day. You never quite know what has appeared since your last visit, so there is always a reason to wander away from camp, poke around under some leaves and see what the forest has decided to give you.Finding a chanterelle hiding in a leaf pile scratches exactly the same tiny part of the brain as spotting one on an autumn walk. Except this one cannot poison you. We consider that an improvement. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... .kg-newsletter-v4 { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4:focus { outline:none !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(242,102,33,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-checkbox-v4 { accent-color:#f26621 !important; cursor:pointer !important; } Join our newsletter Deals, new releases and gaming picks worth opening another tab for. Enter a valid email address. I agree to receive marketing communication from Kinguin. Please tick the box to join. Nice. You’re on the list ✓ Something went wrong. Please try again. Potion Permit turns your mushroom basket into medicine Moving to Potion Permit means upgrading our basket to something slightly more professional. You arrive in the small town of Moonbury as a chemist, which means the plants, minerals and other ingredients growing outside town are not just pretty things to collect. They are the raw materials you need to diagnose illnesses, brew remedies and look after the people living there.Mushrooms are one of the ingredients you can forage in Meadow Range, where patches grow in several locations and can be harvested with your sickle. They are useful outside the potion-making side of your job too, appearing in dishes including mushroom soup and black truffle pasta.That makes heading out to gather ingredients feel especially satisfying because you usually know those things are coming home with you for a reason. What looks like a quiet afternoon spent searching through the countryside eventually becomes somebody's medicine, tonight's dinner or another little step towards becoming part of Moonbury.You also have a dog who follows you around. This is relevant because every autumn walk is improved by a dog. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Wytchwood is mushroom picking after you fully commit to the witch aesthetic If Potion Permit feels like responsible herbalism, Wytchwood is what happens when you stop pretending this is a normal hobby and become the strange witch living at the edge of the forest. Which, to be clear, we fully support.Wytchwood sends you through a beautifully illustrated fairytale world gathering an enormous variety of plants, creatures and considerably stranger ingredients for your spells and recipes. Among the first things you learn to collect are Hagshrooms, mushrooms growing right on the ground around your home and in the forest. You do not even need a special tool to gather them.They quickly become useful. Hagshrooms appear in recipes for things like Mending Poultice and Unveiling Powder, so spotting one during a walk through the forest is less about filling a collection and more about thinking ahead to whatever strange concoction you might need next.And that is where Wytchwood really nails the fantasy of autumn foraging. You are constantly looking at the world around you as a collection of useful little treasures. A mushroom is an ingredient. A herb might be important later. Something slightly suspicious growing near a tree is absolutely going in the bag.Real mushroom pickers may bring a field guide. You have a grimoire. Same hobby, different commitment level. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products...
Read moreThere is a very specific kind of peace that comes with fishing in video games. You find a nice spot by the water, cast your line and wait. For a moment, there is nowhere you need to be and nothing particularly urgent happening. Maybe something bites. Maybe it doesn’t. Either way, you get to sit there for a little while.Real fishing unfortunately requires getting up early, checking the weather, finding actual fishing gear and accepting the possibility that you may spend several hours outside without catching anything.Video game fishing asks considerably less of you. And since autumn is exactly the time of year when staying somewhere warm while pretending to spend the afternoon by a lake sounds particularly appealing, we went looking for some of our favorite fishing games and fishing spots.Some give you nothing but a rod, a quiet lake and plenty of time. Others wrap fishing into stories about rebuilding communities, making friends or starting a new life somewhere far away. One of them may contain unspeakable horrors from the depths of the ocean, but we’ll deal with that when we get there.For now, grab your rod. We’re going fishing.Cast n Chill understands that sometimes fishing is the whole plan The name really does tell you everything you need to know. Cast n Chill is a game about finding a beautiful stretch of water, casting your line and seeing what bites. There are lakes, rivers and oceans to explore, different species to discover and better equipment to unlock as you sell your catches and gradually become a more capable angler. You can chase rare fish and legendary catches if you want a goal, but the game is equally happy to let you take things slowly.And taking things slowly feels particularly good here. There is no town demanding your attention and no farm waiting to be watered before you leave. The landscape, pixel art and simple rhythm of casting and reeling give fishing enough room to be the main event rather than a side activity squeezed between twenty other things on your to-do list.You can even bring your loyal little companion along for the trip, which immediately improves any fishing expedition by at least 70 percent. We checked the math.If the reason you clicked on an article about cozy fishing games was because you genuinely just want to fish, this is probably the purest version of that fantasy on our list. Cast n Chill up to 53% off Get Cast n Chill → Moonglow Bay gives you a reason to keep coming back to shore Moonglow Bay begins from a much more emotional place.You play as a rookie angler trying to fulfil the final wish of your partner while living in a struggling fishing town on the Canadian coast. What begins with you picking up a rod gradually becomes a story about getting to know this place, reconnecting with its community and helping Moonglow Bay find its feet again.Fishing is at the center of almost everything you do, and there is plenty of it. You can cast a line, set traps, use nets and even go ice fishing while working your way through more than 150 aquatic species. Your catches do not simply disappear into a sell box either. Fish can become meals or end up in the local aquarium, while your time on the water slowly feeds into the larger job of bringing life back to the town.That gives each trip a lovely sense of purpose. You can head out in your boat, spend some time on the water and return with something that matters back home.Moonglow Bay can get emotional, and its story begins with grief, so this isn't completely fluffy comfort food. But there is a lot of warmth in what comes afterwards. At its heart, this is a game about slowly putting things back together, one fishing trip at a time. Moonglow Bay up to 80% off Get Moonglow Bay → Luna’s Fishing Garden lets you fix an entire world with a fishing rod If your preferred fishing spot needs to be approximately 40 percent more magical, Luna’s Fishing Garden has you covered. You play as Cassie, who wakes up on a strange collection of islands after a storm and meets Luna, a mysterious fox spirit whose garden has been damaged. From there, fishing becomes part of restoring this little watery world.The whole thing is deliberately small and gentle. You catch fish, meet the spirits living around the islands, clean up the surrounding waters and plant new trees and flowers as the garden begins to recover. There is progression and plenty to collect, but very little pressure to turn any of it into work.That is important because Luna’s Fishing Garden understands something that cozy games occasionally forget: relaxation does not need to become another productivity challenge. You can work towards restoring everything perfectly. Or you can find a nice place and fish for a while. Luna will survive. Luna’s Fishing Garden up to 82% off Get Luna’s Fishing Garden → Disney Dreamlight Valley lets you go fishing with Goofy, which is difficult to argue withSometimes fishing is better when you can bring a friend. Disney Dreamlight Valley is much bigger than its fishing mechanic, of course. It is a life-sim and adventure game where you build your own version of Dreamlight Valley alongside a growing collection of Disney and Pixar characters. You can decorate your home, cook with Remy, garden with WALL-E and spend an afternoon fishing with Goofy. And fishing fits surprisingly naturally into that daily routine.Different parts of the Valley have their own waters and catches, so grabbing your rod gives you another reason to wander between its biomes. The fish you bring home can become ingredients for meals, help with quests or simply contribute to whatever little goal you have decided matters that day.But the nicest way to do it is probably to bring one of your villagers along. Fishing then becomes less about hunting down another resource and more like one of those tiny activities you do while spending time in the Valley. Pick someone you like, head towards the water and stay there until you decide you have had enough.If Goofy wants to come, obviously you let Goofy come. Those are the rules. Disney Dreamlight Valley up to 74% off Get Disney Dreamlight Valley → Stardew Valley can turn “one quick fishing trip” into an entire afternoon There are people who love fishing in Stardew Valley. There are also people who spent their first few hours wondering why a tiny pixel fish seemed personally determined to ruin their day. Both experiences are valid.Fishing is one of Stardew Valley’s five main skills, and it becomes much more satisfying once you start learning how it works. Different fish appear depending on the location, season, weather and time of day, which means a casual trip to the river can eventually turn into knowing exactly where you need to be when it starts raining on a Tuesday in fall. You can also craft bait, use bobbers and set crab pots while working towards catching everything the Valley has to offer. The nice part is that none of this needs to be your goal.Some days you can simply take your rod down to the beach, stand at the end of the pier and see what happens. When the sun starts going down, you walk home with whatever you managed to catch and tomorrow you can do something completely different. Or you can become completely obsessed with catching one particular fish. That is between you and the fish. Stardew Valley up to 86% off Get Stardew Valley → DREDGE is cozy fishing for people with a slightly concerning definition of cozy Okay. We need to talk about DREDGE. If your definition of a cozy fishing trip involves calm water, a warm sunset and perhaps a little picnic on the shore, DREDGE would like to know how you feel about cosmic horror.On paper, parts of it sound almost perfect for this list. You captain a small fishing trawler around a remote archipelago, head out to find different species, sell your catch when you return and use the money to improve your boat and equipment. There are more than 125 deep-sea creatures to discover, islands to explore and plenty of reasons to make one more trip before calling it a day. It is an incredibly satisfying loop. There is just one tiny problem. You probably want to be home before dark.DREDGE is officially an adventure-horror game, and the further you travel, the clearer it becomes that something is very wrong with these waters. Strange things start appearing in your nets. The islands have secrets. Your fisherman gets increasingly uneasy when he stays at sea too long, and the darkness is considerably less empty than you would like it to be.So no, DREDGE is not wholesome in the same way as Cast n Chill or Luna’s Fishing Garden. But there is something oddly comforting about its routine. Leaving the harbour in the morning, filling the boat, arranging your catch in the cargo hold and racing home as the sun begins to disappear can become its own little ritual.It is fishing for people who find inventory management relaxing but would also like the ocean to occasionally threaten their sanity. We’re not judging your comfort games. DREDGE up to 87% off Get DREDGE → Maybe we understand why every cozy game eventually adds a fishing rodFishing has become such a familiar part of cozy games that seeing a little pond without a fishing mechanic can almost feel suspicious. But after spending enough time with these games, it makes sense. Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale → Fishing gives you permission to stop. You cast a line and, for a few seconds, there is nothing else you can do except wait. You notice the water, the music and whatever is happening around your character. Even in games packed with quests, crops, friendships and things begging for your attention, standing beside a river can create a tiny break in the middle of everything else.Sometimes that break lasts thirty seconds. Sometimes you suddenly realise you have spent your entire in-game day standing on the same pier. And sometimes the sun goes down, an ancient horror crawls out of the ocean and you remember that you are playing DREDGE. Nobody said every fishing trip had to end peacefully 🎣
Read moreThere is something about autumn that makes spending an entire evening in the kitchen sound like a genuinely good idea. Maybe it is the colder weather. Maybe it is the fact that cinnamon suddenly belongs in everything. Or maybe our brains simply see one orange leaf and decide that we should immediately bake a pie, make soup and own at least three unnecessarily beautiful mugs.If your perfect autumn evening involves warm cafés, tiny bakeries, homemade food and the gentle satisfaction of making something nice for someone else, we have picked nine games worth putting on the menu. Some will let you build the bakery of your dreams, some will put you behind a busy counter, and others use food to tell stories that stay with you long after the kitchen closes.So, what are we having?Lemon Cake is the little bakery fantasy we wanted as children If your dream bakery includes homegrown strawberries, freshly baked pastries, a greenhouse and a friendly ghost, Lemon Cake has somehow managed to tick every box.You inherit an abandoned bakery that has definitely seen better days, and much of the pleasure comes from slowly making it feel alive again. The building needs repairing and decorating, the kitchen needs running, and your ingredients do not simply appear in an inventory whenever you need them. You can grow fruit in the greenhouse, collect honey from your beehive and look after cows and chickens for fresh milk and eggs before turning everything you have gathered into pastries and sweets.That makes baking feel like the end of a lovely little process rather than an isolated minigame. The strawberry in your cake can be one you actually grew. The milk came from an animal you have been looking after. Eventually, you are choosing your daily menu, filling the display with sweets and trying to keep everything moving when hungry customers arrive for lunch.There is enough to keep your hands busy, but the reward is watching a forgotten little bakery gradually become the warm, busy place it was supposed to be. And yes, the ghost can eventually help around the shop, which seems only fair. If we are restoring a haunted bakery, the haunting can at least contribute to the workload. Lemon Cake up to 69% off Get Lemon Cake → Bakery Simulator takes the baking part very seriously Bakery Simulator is for anyone who watches someone knead dough and thinks, I want to do that, rather than simply wanting to click a button marked “make bread.”Here, being a baker means actually learning the process. You work from recipes inspired by real ones, measure ingredients, use bakery equipment and make different breads, buns, croissants, bagels, muffins and other baked goods. Once they are ready, there are orders to fulfil and deliveries to make to shops around the city.It makes for a different kind of comfort. Instead of decorating an impossibly cute fantasy café, you can settle into the rhythm of doing a job properly. You check what needs to be made, prepare your ingredients, use the right equipment and try not to discover several steps too late that you have made a terrible bread-related mistake.There is something wonderfully autumnal about spending an evening with flour, bread and warm ovens, even when all of them are made of pixels. It also has one enormous advantage over baking at home: when you are finished, there is no mysterious layer of flour covering every surface in your kitchen. Bakery Simulator up to 98% off Get Bakery Simulator → Cat Cafe Manager understands that coffee is better with a cat nearby Running a café already sounds nice. Running one filled with cats feels slightly unfair to every other business model.In Cat Cafe Manager, you return to the sleepy village of Caterwaul Way and take over the small café left to you by your grandmother. The place needs some love, so you renovate it, build up the menu, meet the locals and gradually turn it into a proper café. The important part, obviously, is that Caterwaul Way is also full of stray cats that can become part of your new little home.The cats are not just decoration either. You get to know them, care for them and eventually find homes for them, while the café itself grows alongside your relationships with the people living in town. There are staff to manage, furniture to choose, recipes to work with and plenty of reasons to keep improving the place.It captures a particularly nice part of café culture: eventually, a good café stops feeling like somewhere people simply go to buy something. It becomes a familiar little place where you know the faces, people have their usual orders and there is probably one cat who has decided that a particular chair belongs exclusively to him. We accept his terms. Cat Cafe Manager up to 91% off Get Cat Cafe Manager → Coffee Talk is for anyone who secretly wants to own a café that only opens at night There is another kind of café fantasy, and Coffee Talk understands it perfectly.You are a barista in an alternative Seattle, working behind the counter of a coffee shop that opens at night. Your customers include humans as well as elves, orcs, succubi and other fantasy folk, but their problems are often surprisingly familiar. They come in, sit down, order something warm and tell you what is happening in their lives. Your job is partly to make their drinks, but mostly to listen.That makes Coffee Talk much less interested in the rush of running a successful business than it is in the atmosphere around the counter. You experiment with the ingredients you have, prepare warm drinks and slowly become part of your customers' lives simply because you are there when they need somewhere to sit.It is a lovely game for a rainy evening because it understands one of the nicest things about cafés: sometimes the coffee itself is only half the reason we go there. The other half is having somewhere warm to be for a while. Preferably while rain hits the window. Coffee Talk up to 67% off Get Coffee Talk → Little Dragons Café lets you raise a dragon between lunch shifts Most cafés have enough problems without adding dragon parenting to the schedule, but Little Dragons Café has bigger ambitions.The story begins with twins helping their mother run the family café until she suddenly falls into a mysterious sleep. A strange old man arrives with an equally strange solution: if they want to save her, they will need to raise a dragon. This leaves you balancing the perfectly normal responsibilities of running a café with the considerably less normal responsibility of taking care of a growing magical creature.Your days move between managing the café, cooking dishes and exploring the world outside for ingredients and recipes. That exploration gives the cooking side a sense of adventure, because a meal begins long before it reaches the table. Finding new ingredients and discovering recipes feeds back into what you can serve when you return home.And then, of course, there is your dragon.Plenty of cooking games will let you improve your kitchen. Far fewer let you finish your shift and go hang out with the dragon you are raising to save your mother. More cafés should consider this. Little Dragons Café up to 90% off Get Little Dragons Café → Good Pizza, Great Pizza knows that every customer has Opinions about pizza At first, running a pizzeria sounds simple. Someone tells you what they want, you put it on some dough, add cheese and send it into the oven.Then the customers arrive.Good Pizza, Great Pizza builds much of its personality around the wonderfully strange people standing on the other side of your counter. They have preferences, requests and occasionally rather creative ways of explaining what they actually want you to make. You have to understand the order, prepare the pizza correctly and keep the business going long enough to meet an increasingly colorful cast of regulars, rivals and pizza obsessives.The actual pizza-making has a lovely rhythm to it. You spread sauce, add cheese, arrange toppings, bake, slice and serve. As the shop grows, you can upgrade your equipment, unlock more ingredients, decorate your pizzeria and even grow some ingredients yourself.It is the sort of game where repetition becomes part of the comfort. You get better at reading orders, your hands learn the routine and familiar customers start walking through the door. Before long, you are emotionally invested in a fictional pizza shop and have surprisingly strong opinions about topping distribution. As you should. Good Pizza, Great Pizza up to 90% off Get Good Pizza, Great Pizza → Venba remembers that a recipe can carry much more than ingredients Venba is the smallest game on this list in some ways, but it might have the biggest heart.You play as Venba, an Indian mother who moves to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Her recipe book has been damaged during the move, leaving parts of familiar recipes missing. As you cook South Indian dishes throughout the story, you have to work out those missing steps and restore the recipes.But cooking here is not really about becoming better at a minigame. Food becomes a connection between Venba and the home she left behind, between parents and children, and between different generations of the same family. A recipe can hold a memory, a language, a tradition or something a parent desperately hopes their child will carry forward. The dishes you prepare become part of the way the family understands one another as their lives change.That makes Venba a particularly lovely choice for an autumn evening, but perhaps not for exactly the same reason as the other games here. It is warm and full of beautiful food, but it can also be emotional. This is comfort food in the most literal sense: food as something we make for the people we love when words are not quite enough.Maybe keep a snack nearby. And possibly a tissue. Venba up to 97% off Get Venba → Wanderstop would like you to sit down and drink your tea At first glance, Wanderstop has all the ingredients of a classic cozy management game. There is a beautiful tea shop in a magical forest, ingredients to grow and harvest, customers to meet and an unusual contraption for brewing the perfect cup of tea. You can clean the shop, decorate it and learn what the travelers passing through would like to drink.Then you meet Alta.Alta used to be a championship fighter, and she absolutely does not want to be running a tea shop. She wants to train, improve, keep moving and get back to being the person she believes she is supposed to be. Unfortunately for her, Wanderstop is deeply uninterested in turning relaxation into another thing to optimize.The shop asks for patience. There are moments when you can simply sit on a bench with a cup of tea. You can listen to your thoughts. You can do nothing for a while. The game's own description goes as far as asking whether perhaps doing nothing at all is okay.That gives all the tea-making a little more weight. Preparing a drink for somebody becomes part of slowing down enough to notice another person, hear their story and give them something made specifically for them.For a game about serving tea, Wanderstop has quite a lot to say about why some of us find it so difficult to just sit down and drink our own. Wanderstop up to 70% off Get Wanderstop → Sometimes the nicest thing you can make is something for someone elseThat might be what connects all these games better than the word “cooking” ever could.The cake in Lemon Cake eventually lands on somebody's table. Your strange pizza order in Good Pizza, Great Pizza belongs to a customer you might remember when they come back. In Coffee Talk, a warm drink gives somebody an excuse to stay and talk for a little longer. In Venba, an old recipe can say something that a family struggles to put into words. And in Wanderstop, making tea for another person becomes part of learning how to slow down yourself. Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale → Food is good at doing that, both in games and outside them. We cook because we are hungry, obviously, but we also bake for people, invite friends over, remember family recipes and make someone a cup of tea when they have had a terrible day.Maybe that is why cooking games fit autumn so ridiculously well 🍂🧸🥐☕🍪So if your ideal evening currently involves something warm in your mug, something sweet within reaching distance and absolutely no reason to leave the house, consider the kitchen open.
Read moreThere comes a point every autumn when staying home stops feeling like the boring option and starts feeling like the best plan you could possibly make. The evenings get longer, the big blanket permanently moves back onto the sofa and suddenly spending a few hours growing virtual pumpkins feels like a completely reasonable way to end the day.We’re very much at that point.The Kinguin Cozy Sale is here, bringing together games for all the little things we suddenly want to do when autumn arrives. There are farms to take care of, cakes to bake, tiny shops to run, fish to catch, rooms to decorate, mushrooms to forage and enough potions to brew that you may begin to seriously reconsider your career choices.Selected games are now up to 86% off, and you can use COZY8 for an extra 8% off. But instead of throwing a giant list of discounted games at you and calling it a day, we thought we’d help you find something that actually fits the kind of evening you want to have.Because cozy means something slightly different to everyone.Sometimes you just want another little life to take care of up to 65% off Get Stardew Valley → Few games understand the pleasure of having tiny, completely manageable responsibilities quite as well as Stardew Valley.Your new life begins with an overgrown farm and enough work to keep you busy for a while, but Stardew quickly becomes much more than a game about putting seeds in the ground. Days develop their own rhythm. You wake up, check the weather, water whatever you planted a few days ago and decide what you feel like doing with the rest of your time. Maybe you’ll go fishing. Maybe you’ll head into town because somebody has a birthday. Maybe you’ll finally explore the mines, or maybe you’ll spend the afternoon moving furniture around your farmhouse because you have decided that today this is the most important thing in the world.That freedom is a huge part of why Stardew has remained such a comfort game for so many people. Its world always gives you something to do, but it rarely insists that you do it right now. You gradually learn the seasons, remember which villagers like which gifts, get strangely invested in your animals and develop routines that feel personal to your farm. Before long, returning to Pelican Town can feel less like starting another gaming session and more like checking in on a place you know.It is also extremely easy to sit down intending to play for twenty minutes and emerge several in-game seasons later. Consider yourself warned.Or perhaps it’s finally time to open that tiny bookshop up to 10% off Get Tiny Bookshop → Tiny Bookshop is built around an almost dangerously appealing fantasy: packing a second-hand bookshop into a trailer and taking it to quiet little corners of a seaside town.You spend your days choosing which books to stock, setting up shop in different locations and recommending something good to the people who stop by. As you get to know the town, you also get better at understanding what your customers might actually enjoy, so selling them a book becomes a small interaction rather than another transaction to clear from a queue.There is room to make the shop itself feel like yours, too. You can decorate it with the little objects you collect and gradually turn a simple trailer full of books into the sort of place where you would happily lose an entire rainy afternoon.It is a wonderfully small premise, and that is precisely why it works. You are not trying to build a retail empire or become the greatest bookseller the world has ever known. You are selling books by the sea, meeting people and slowly settling into the life of the town. Sometimes that is more than enough for a good evening.If autumn makes you want to bake something, we have that covered too up to 69% off Get Lemon Cake → There is something particularly unfair about games that fill the screen with cakes when you do not have cake in the house, and Lemon Cake is very good at creating exactly that problem.The game hands you an abandoned bakery and lets you slowly bring it back to life. You clean up the place, repair your kitchen, grow ingredients in the greenhouse and use them to bake the pastries that eventually fill your display cases. Once customers start arriving, the quiet little restoration project becomes a gentle balancing act between preparing food, keeping everyone happy and improving the bakery for another day.What makes the whole thing especially satisfying is seeing the place change around you. At the beginning, it feels forgotten. After spending enough mornings growing ingredients and enough afternoons running between ovens, it starts looking like somewhere people would actually want to spend their time.There is also a friendly ghost involved, because apparently even the afterlife understands that a good bakery is worth hanging around for.If your autumn plans already involve cinnamon, apples and turning the oven on whenever the temperature drops below 15 degrees, this is probably a very natural place to start.You can also build somewhere you’d quite like to live up to 76% off Get Minami Lane → Not everyone finds relaxation in looking after a gigantic city full of citizens who suddenly need a new sewage system. Sometimes one street is plenty.That is the lovely scale of Minami Lane, where you build a small Japanese-inspired neighborhood and gradually fill it with homes, shops, restaurants, greenery and decorations. The management side is still there, so you need to think about what your residents want and how your businesses are doing, but everything happens within a space small enough that you can actually become attached to it.A new shop changes the street. Adding some greenery makes a familiar corner prettier. Residents wander around the neighborhood you have created, and what began as a few empty spaces gradually turns into a place with its own little routines.There is satisfaction in watching something grow without feeling as though you have accidentally accepted a second job. Minami Lane understands that distinction rather well.And yes, autumn means we are legally required to enter our witch eraWe don’t make the rules. up to 82% off Get Alchemy Garden → Alchemy Garden gives you a plot of land, a potion shop and a very good excuse to spend the evening collecting plants. You can grow your own ingredients, explore the surrounding world for materials, experiment with alchemy and sell the potions you make in your shop.The loop is simple enough to settle into. What you gather feeds into what you can create, what you create helps your shop, and your progress gradually opens up more possibilities for both your garden and your alchemy. There is always another ingredient worth looking for or another part of your little setup worth improving.It also happens to fulfil an extremely specific autumn fantasy. You can wander around collecting plants, return home with your ingredients and spend the evening making mysterious things in bottles without ever having to ask yourself whether the mushroom you just picked is edible.Video games really have solved foraging.And Alchemy Garden is only one stop in the witchier corner of the sale. If October has already activated something in you, there is also Alchemy Factory, Alchemy Garden, Witchspire, Alchemist: The Potion Monger and Potions: A Curious Tale waiting to enable it.Cozy doesn’t have to mean staying in one place up to 93% off Get Alba: A Wildlife Adventure → Sometimes the nicest thing a game can give you is somewhere new to wander around for a few hours.Alba: A Wildlife Adventure sends you to a Mediterranean island where Alba is spending the summer with her grandparents. Much of your time is spent exploring the island, spotting animals and photographing the wildlife you find along the way. There is a larger conservation story running through the adventure, but some of its nicest moments come from simply paying attention to what is around you.A bird call can be enough to pull you away from wherever you were heading. You stop, look around, try to work out where it came from and eventually add another photo to your collection. The island rewards curiosity, so getting distracted rarely feels like wasting time.It is a small adventure, but one that understands how nice it can be when a game gives you permission to look around instead of constantly pushing you towards the next objective.Especially when the real view outside your window currently consists of rain.Your next autumn hobby might be hiding somewhere in here Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale → That is probably our favorite thing about putting this sale together. Cozy games are often built around the kinds of small hobbies and routines that are satisfying precisely because there is no huge victory waiting at the end of them.You can spend an evening learning how to run a bakery, disappear to a lake and fish until sunset, wander through the woods looking for mushrooms or sit down with a game about sewing and making things by hand. You might discover a new favorite genre, or you might simply find one lovely game that makes the next few dark evenings a little nicer.For now, the whole Kinguin Cozy Sale is waiting, with selected games up to 86% off and an additional 8% off with code COZY8.So find something that looks like your kind of evening, make yourself comfortable and stay for a while 🍂🧸🥐☕🍪
Read moreAround 19 guns have been picked out of GTA 6's trailers and marketing footage, and eight of them carry names Rockstar invented: a Morgan revolver, a Capo pistol, a Duke carbine and five more. The rest are recognizable only by shape, matched against the real designs they copy. Rockstar has published no weapons list of its own, so every entry below is a community reading of footage rather than an official one.Handguns and revolversHandguns are the best documented category. Four arrive with names and no owner attached: the Morgan revolver, built on a S&W 629; the Mustang .357, which takes its cues from a Colt Python; the Capo, an M1911 in everything but the badge; and the Nipper .38, so far a name and a caliber and nothing more.That is a revolver, a magnum and a .45 service pistol before you reach anything modern. For a game whose flagship region is a Miami analog, the handgun lineup leans period-conscious rather than contemporary.SMGs and machine pistolsNone of the submachine guns has surfaced with a name. The profiles match an MP5, a MAC-10, an Uzi, and the compact MP7, MP9 and TEC-9 family of machine pistols.The Uzi and TEC-9 references lean hard into Vice City's established aesthetic, evoking the era those weapons defined in pop culture. Put an Uzi in the hands of a Leonida hustler and you are quoting a decade, not filling a weapon slot.Rifles and carbinesTwo long guns carry names, and they share one: the Duke carbine, which follows an M4 profile, and the Duke sniper rifle. Past those, the footage has produced an AK-pattern rifle, a Remington 700-style bolt-action and an M1A-style marksman rifle.A bolt-action and a marksman rifle alongside an AK is a reach problem more than a firepower one. This arsenal is being built for distance, which suits a state that runs from a national park in the north to an island chain in the south.ShotgunsThree shotguns have turned up, none of them named: a double-barrel, a Remington 870 and a Benelli M4. That is a break-action, a pump and a semi-automatic, so the category covers the full spread of shotgun mechanics rather than three variations on one.The double-barrel is the interesting one. It reads rural rather than tactical, and it belongs to the swamps and back roads far more than it belongs to Ocean Beach.Heavy weaponsTwo entries sit at the top of the arsenal, both recognized by shape alone: an M249-style light machine gun and a grenade launcher. Neither is a surprise in a Grand Theft Auto game. What they mark is the ceiling, the tier the series keeps in reserve for the point where a job has already gone wrong.Jason and Lucia's sidearmsTwo of the named pistols belong to specific people. The Klose K17 is Lucia Caminos's, and the Girardi ES9 is Jason Duval's.Giving each lead their own pistol is characterization done through the loadout. It is a small thing next to a trailer, but it suggests Rockstar wants the two halves of this game to feel different in your hands and not only in cutscenes.GTA 6 arrives on 19 November 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, at $79.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. Grab your key on Kinguin and be set for launch day.FAQDoes the Ultimate Edition include extra weapons?Yes. Rockstar says the Ultimate Edition adds exclusive vehicles, weapons and premium clothing woven through the narrative, but it has not published the item list and has not said whether any of it affects progression. There is also no announced upgrade path from Standard to Ultimate.Have the GTA 6 weapon leaks been accurate?The September 2022 breach was real: roughly 90 development videos were posted to GTAForums, and Rockstar confirmed the incident publicly. The weapon lists that have circulated since have a much weaker record, and none of them is what the entries above rest on.
Read moreThe GTA 6 versus GTA 5 question is not really a comparison of two games, it is a choice between a console launch on 19 November 2026 and a game that has been playable since 2013. What muddies it is that the newer game's most quoted numbers are not Rockstar's numbers at all.San Andreas against LeonidaGTA 5 built its world around Los Santos and Blaine County, one dense city with a rural hinterland behind it. GTA 6 moves to the state of Leonida and six confirmed regions: Vice City, Mount Kalaga National Park, Grassrivers, Leonida Keys, Ambrosia and Port Gellhorn.A state-scale map changes pacing more than raw acreage does. Travel between a national park, coastal keys and separate towns implies longer journeys, more varied terrain and settings that each carry their own tone.Rockstar has published no map size, so the figures in circulation, between 125 and 324 square kilometers, are community measurements taken from trailer geometry. Several sites print them as confirmed. The range is its own warning: an estimate that spans a factor of two and a half is not a measurement of anything.Three men against a criminal coupleGTA 5 gave you Michael, Franklin and Trevor and let you switch between three separate lives mid-mission. GTA 6 pares that back to two, Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, framed by Rockstar as a Bonnie and Clyde pair rather than three men whose paths happen to cross.Lucia is the first playable female lead in the series. Rockstar has given her a history: born in Liberty City, imprisoned after trying to keep her family afloat, taught to fight by her father. Jason served in the military, worked for smugglers out of the Keys, and lives rent free in a place belonging to Brian Heder.What Rockstar has not described is how or when you switch between them. A pair presented as partners suggests the two share scenes in a way GTA 5's trio rarely did, but that is an inference from the framing, not a mechanic anyone has explained.Platforms, and the PC questionGTA 6 is confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S only. There is no PS4 or Xbox One version, and the PS5 Pro is a variant of the PS5 rather than a separately announced platform. No PC release date exists and no PC version has been confirmed, while GTA 5 runs on effectively everything, PC included.Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick said in May 2026 that PC could account for 45 to 50 percent of sales on a launch this size, and that Rockstar starts on consoles because "you're judged by serving the core". When roughly half your potential revenue lives on one platform, you do not abandon it. You schedule it.History gives that schedule a rough shape without promising one. GTA 4 reached PC about seven months after consoles, Red Dead Redemption 2 about twelve, and GTA 5 about nineteen against an original plan of roughly fourteen. That is a spread of a year, which is why waiting for PC is a plan without a date.Should you still buy GTA 5 in 2026?GTA 5 is still the right purchase for a lot of people. PC players have no GTA 6 date to wait for. Anyone who wants to play tonight rather than in November is choosing between the two games that exist and the one that doesn't. First-timers get a finished game with years of content already in it, and the Online communities are active.The price gap is also smaller than the headline suggests. GTA 5's $59.99 in 2013 is roughly $82 in today's money, which makes GTA 6's $79.99 Standard Edition close to flat in real terms. What has actually moved is GTA 5's own price, now a fraction of either figure.So the decision is not either-or. If you want the newest world and can wait for the console launch, GTA 6 is the pre-order. If you want a living game this week, GTA 5 is the purchase, and there is no rule against both.Pre-order GTA 6 for PS5 or Xbox Series X|S on Kinguin ahead of the 19 November 2026 launch, or pick up GTA 5 and in-game items there if you want something to play now.FAQWill GTA 6 Online be available at launch?Rockstar describes the launch as a single-player experience and has not confirmed whether GTA 6 Online will be there on day one. GTA 5's Online is running today, which is the one thing the older game can promise here and the newer one currently cannot.Does the physical GTA 6 edition come with a disc?No. Boxed copies contain a download code rather than a disc, so a physical purchase still needs the same download as a digital one. Both the Standard and Ultimate editions are sold digitally and physically.When did pre-orders open, and when can I preload?Pre-orders opened on 25 June 2026 at midnight local time. Digital preload begins on 12 November 2026, the same day boxed copies reach stores.
Read moreDeciding which GTA 6 cars you will actually be driving looks simple until you realize almost none of them are officially named. Rockstar has published no master vehicle list, so every car below reached this page because someone froze a trailer frame and matched the bodywork to a real model. That is careful work, and it is not the same thing as a confirmation.What "confirmed" means hereRockstar has not published a vehicle list for GTA 6, and it has not published a vehicle count either. Everything named here was identified by players working from Trailer 1 (4 December 2023) and Trailer 2 (6 May 2025), so read the real-world matches as informed reads rather than official statements.That limit bites hardest once you leave four wheels behind. Rockstar has not named a single boat, seaplane or helicopter, even though the Leonida Keys are an archipelago with boats and sharks in the water, so any specific watercraft or aircraft model you see quoted is a read on scenery.Muscle and classicsThis is where Vice City's period flavor lives. The Sirius reads as a classic Dodge Charger, the Vapid Riata leans on lean American muscle, and the Oceanic channels an Oldsmobile Super 88. The Declasse Tulip M-100 maps to a Chevy Malibu, that boxy, sun-faded silhouette that suits a Leonida strip mall.The '55 Vapid Stanier stands out as a 1955 Ford Crown Victoria, a genuinely vintage shape rather than a muscle-era one, and the Albany Buccaneer Custom rounds out the lowrider-adjacent side of the roster. Three more names sit in the identified list with no real-world match attached to them yet: the Bravado Gauntlet Hellfire, the Schyster Deviant and the Schyster PMP.What ties this group together is atmosphere. Vice City is the Miami analogue, down to Ocean Beach, Little Cuba and an Ocean View Hotel callback, and the old metal is the half of the roster built to match it.Supercars and sports carsGrotti carries the exotic end of the list heavily. The '95 Grotti Cheetah and the Grotti Cheetah Classic both surface as period supercars, while the Grotti Carbonizzare and Grotti Furia bring the modern wedge shapes you would expect from the series' stand-in for Italian exotica. The Bravado Banshee covers the American sports-car angle and the Invetero Coquette keeps the Corvette-flavored lineage going.On the grand-touring side, the Pfister Comet S2 Cabrio gives you an open-top German-style coupe and the Benefactor Schafter V12 covers the executive-sedan-with-teeth bracket. Their proportions read cleanly even in a compressed frame, which is part of why this end of the roster firmed up faster than the rest of it.Trucks, SUVs and off-roadersLeonida is not all coastal tarmac. Mount Kalaga National Park and the wetlands of Grassrivers demand vehicles that can leave the road, and the roster reflects that. The Vapid Caracara 4x4 reads as a Ford F-150, the kind of full-size pickup you would actually want on a fire trail, and the Canis Kamacho brings a boxier, more utilitarian off-road build.The '67 Vapid Dominator Buggy is the standout for rough ground, a stripped, high-clearance machine built for dirt rather than showroom shine. The Vapid Ganado maps to a 1970 Ford Ranchero, and that half-car, half-truck shape splits the difference between hauling and cruising in the rural corners of the state.Mount Kalaga is described as hunting, fishing and off-road country, which is the clearest explanation of why a pickup and a stripped buggy share a list with a Cheetah. The wetlands push the same way: they are a region where wheeled vehicles are plainly not the whole answer.MotorcyclesFive bikes have been identified so far: the Dinka Enduro, the Alvino V1, the Carbon RS, the Sanchez and the Manchez. The Alvino V1 reads as a Ducati Panigale V2 or an Aprilia RS 660, which puts a genuinely modern sportbike on a list that otherwise skews rough.The rest of the names lean off-road, and the Sanchez has been a dirt bike in this series for years. In a state that includes a national park with trails and a swamp you cannot take a supercar into, two wheels look less like a side option than they usually do.Returning manufacturersThe manufacturer names answer the biggest reader question by themselves. Vapid, Grotti, Bravado, Declasse, Albany, Benefactor, Canis, Pfister, Invetero, Schyster and Dinka are all long-running series brands, so the evidence so far points to GTA 6 carrying the same fictional automotive universe forward rather than resetting it.A returning manufacturer is not the same as a returning model. The Grotti Cheetah name has appeared before, but the '95 and Classic variants here look like fresh builds within a familiar badge, and Rockstar has not said anything about direct carry-overs. The safe read is that the ecosystem returns while the individual cars are new interpretations.So the roster stands where it stands: twenty-odd cars, five bikes, and no official total from Rockstar to check them against. Both the names and the number get settled on 19 November 2026, and not before.GTA 6 launches 19 November 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, at $79.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. If you want something to drive right now, GTA 5 and its in-game items are on Kinguin.FAQDo the Ultimate Edition's exclusive vehicles appear on this list?No. The Ultimate Edition adds exclusive vehicles, weapons and premium clothing woven through the narrative, but Rockstar has not published the item list or said whether any of it affects progression. None of those vehicles have been named, so none of them are above.What can I drive GTA 6 on at launch?PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only. The PS5 Pro is a PS5 variant rather than a separately announced platform, there is no PS4 or Xbox One version, and Rockstar has announced neither a PC release date nor a PC version at all.Will there be a GTA Online garage at launch?Unclear. Rockstar is describing the launch as a single-player experience and has not confirmed that GTA 6 Online will be available on day one, so there is no word yet on how vehicles are earned or stored outside the story.
Read moreThe easy read on the GTA 6 map is neon and money. What Rockstar has actually named is a whole state: a Miami-style coastline, an Everglades-style wetland full of alligators, a shark-filled archipelago in the south and a decayed "forgotten coast" of dead motels, with Vice City as one region out of six. The one number everyone wants, the size of it, is still not a number Rockstar has published.Leonida is a state, not a cityGrand Theft Auto VI is set across Leonida, a fictional Florida, and Vice City is one part of it. The six named regions are Vice City, Mount Kalaga National Park on the northern edge, the Everglades-style wetlands of Grassrivers, the southern archipelago of the Leonida Keys, the industrial sugar town of Ambrosia, and Port Gellhorn, the forgotten coast.Vice City is the glamour and the money, Mount Kalaga the wilderness, Grassrivers the danger, the Keys the open water, Ambrosia the industry and its gangs, and Port Gellhorn the quiet collapse. Together they cover a spread of tones that no single GTA setting has managed before.Lucia Caminos, the first playable female lead in series history, and Jason Duval carry the story across those regions rather than sitting in one of them. Jason served in the military and worked for smugglers out of the Keys, and he lives rent-free in an apartment belonging to Brian Heder, one of those smugglers. The geography is already load-bearing.Vice CityVice City is the Miami stand-in and the center of gravity. Rockstar has named Ocean Beach, Little Cuba, the Tisha-Wocka flea market, Vice City Port and Vice City International Airport, plus an Ocean View Hotel callback that longtime players will recognize on sight.The confirmed supporting cast doubles as a guide to who owns what. Boobie Ike runs real estate, a recording studio and strip clubs; Dre'Quan Priest runs Only Raw Records, with the rap duo Real Dimez signed to it. No other region has a cast dense enough to read as a business district map.The Ocean View Hotel nod is the clearest line of continuity to the older Vice City, and Rockstar has not detailed how the two versions relate beyond the callback itself.The water: the Keys and GrassriversThe Leonida Keys are the southern archipelago, and Rockstar has shown both boats and sharks in those waters. That pairing sets the tone for the region: the sea is terrain here rather than a backdrop, and it is terrain with something in it.Grassrivers is the Everglades-style wetland, all shallow water, tall grass and alligators. Where the Keys open out to a horizon, Grassrivers closes in, and the wildlife supplies the pressure instead of the decoration. Between the two of them, a substantial share of Leonida is places a car cannot reach.The interior: Mount Kalaga and AmbrosiaMount Kalaga National Park runs along the northern border and is the wilderness end of the state, built around hunting, fishing and off-road driving. It is the one region Rockstar has described through activities rather than landmarks, which tells you what it is for.Ambrosia is the industrial sugar town, home to the Allied Crystal refinery and a presence from the Final Chapter biker gang. A refinery and a gang sharing one small town is the most concrete piece of economy-plus-crime Rockstar has put anywhere on the map outside Vice City.Port Gellhorn, the forgotten coastPort Gellhorn is billed as the forgotten coast: cheap motels, closed attractions and empty strip malls, the kind of town a highway used to run through and no longer does. It is Florida's collapse rather than its glamour.Set against Vice City's shine and Ambrosia's industry, Port Gellhorn is what gives the state its melancholy. A quiet place in a loud game is an odd thing to build, and it is the strongest signal that Leonida is meant to be a range of moods rather than one.How big is the GTA 6 map?Rockstar has published no map size figure. The estimates in circulation, roughly 125 to 324 square kilometers, are community measurements taken from trailer geometry, and the gap between the low and high numbers is the tell: scaling landmarks in curated footage means small errors compound into wildly different totals.A state-scale map changes pacing more than raw acreage does, in any case. Travel between a national park, coastal keys and separate towns implies longer journeys and settings that each carry their own tone, which answers the size question better than any figure can. The figure itself gets settled when the game ships on 19 November 2026.GTA 6 launches that day on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, at $79.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. Rockstar's own pre-order window is what carries the Vintage Vice City Pack, which goes to orders placed before 20 November 2026, with the free month of GTA+ limited to digital pre-orders. Console keys are available on Kinguin.FAQWho do you play as across the map?Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, in a relationship Rockstar has framed as Bonnie and Clyde. Lucia was born in Liberty City and imprisoned after trying to hold her family together. Rockstar has not described how or when you switch between the two of them.Has Rockstar announced the GTA 6 voice cast?No. Every name attached to Lucia or Jason so far comes from CVs, agency listings and actors' own comments rather than Rockstar. Several sites present those names as confirmed casting, and they are not.Will GTA 6 Online launch alongside the single-player map?That has not been announced. Rockstar is describing the November release as a single-player experience, and it has not said whether GTA 6 Online will be available at launch, which also leaves the free GTA+ month for digital pre-orders landing in a month that may have little online content to spend it on.
Read moreDeciding how much to trust a GTA 6 leak looks simple, you either believe the footage or you don't, except the record splits sharply once you sort it by date. One item in that record was a criminal breach with a defendant and a court file. Most of the rest was people guessing loudly, and both get filed under the same word.September 2022 and the footage that came out of a breachOn 18 September 2022, roughly 90 videos of GTA 6 in active development appeared on GTAForums, posted by an account calling itself teapotuberhacker. Rockstar confirmed the intrusion. Four years later, that remains the part of the episode that is genuinely established.What the 2022 leak changed was the conversation around studio security and the ethics of circulating stolen work in progress. An internal breach became a public spectacle, and it started a criminal case that is still unresolved.Who was behind it, and what happened nextThe leak was attributed to Arion Kurtaj, reportedly connected to the Lapsus$ group and to a breach at Uber in the same period. In December 2023 he was found unfit to stand trial and given an indefinite hospital order rather than a conventional sentence, after continuing to attempt hacking while in custody.Here is the part recent headlines keep getting wrong. In 2026 Kurtaj was moved out of the secure hospital and into an ordinary prison, with a retrial due in November 2026. He was not released. If you have read otherwise, the source misread a transfer as a discharge.What the release date did after the breachThe comfortable version of this story is that the breach cost the game nothing. The public schedule is messier than that. Rockstar first named a Fall 2025 window in May 2024, moved it in May 2025 to 26 May 2026, then moved it again in November 2025 to 19 November 2026.Two public delays sit between the leak and the launch, which is worth knowing on its own. It is not evidence of cause. A studio can slip a date for reasons that have nothing to do with a stolen build, and nobody outside Rockstar is positioned to connect the two.December 2023 and the trailer that leaked a day earlyNot every GTA 6 leak was a criminal intrusion. In early December 2023 the first official trailer began circulating about a day before its planned reveal, and Rockstar published Trailer 1 officially on 4 December 2023 rather than fight the spread. Trailer 2 followed on 6 May 2025.This episode is instructive because the consequence is visible. You can point to a concrete change in Rockstar's own publishing schedule and trace it to the leak, with no ambiguity and no waiting years to check a claim against a finished game. Almost nothing else in this history is that clean.Leak accuracy, rankedScored against what Rockstar has since confirmed, the record is a short ladder rather than a spectrum. The December 2023 trailer leak sits at the top, verified by its own outcome: the publish date moved. The 2022 dump comes next, genuine material from a breach Rockstar confirmed, though it is the provenance that is established and not any particular account of the contents.Below that, accuracy falls off hard. The weapons lists that circulated later and the recurring rumor that GTA 6 review copies would not be distributed have a much weaker record, and Rockstar has confirmed neither.At the bottom sit claims that were never leaks at all. The map size figures between 125 and 324 square kilometers are community measurements taken from trailer geometry, and the voice cast names in circulation come from resumes and agency listings. Several outlets print both as confirmed. Rockstar has published neither a map size nor a cast.Checking a leak is mostly checking its source. Look at whose account is making the claim and what it got wrong last time, reverse image search any still, and expect self-described insiders to multiply before a launch. Verified footage came from a criminal breach; polished mock-ups shared for engagement usually did not, and that gap between substance and spectacle sits at the heart of why leaks are a problem rather than a scoop.Why leaks are a problem, not a scoopThe 2022 case shows the cost plainly. Private work was taken and posted for anyone to watch, the people who made it had unfinished material judged in public long before they chose to show it, and the criminal case it started is still open.None of that needs a moral lecture attached to it. It does mean a leak of this kind is a story about a theft first and a game second, which is a different thing from a scoop.If you would rather wait for the finished game than watch stolen fragments of it, GTA 6 launches on 19 November 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and keys for both consoles are listed on Kinguin.FAQWhich platforms is GTA 6 launching on?Rockstar and Take-Two name PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S only. There is no PS4 or Xbox One version, and the PS5 Pro is a variant of the PS5 rather than a separately announced platform. No PC release date has been announced and no PC version has been confirmed.What do GTA 6 pre-orders include?The Vintage Vice City Pack goes to all orders placed before 20 November 2026, with physical copies covered while stocks last. The free month of GTA+ is limited to digital pre-orders, so the two bonuses do not travel together.Will GTA 6 Online be available at launch?Rockstar has described the launch as a single-player experience and has not confirmed whether GTA 6 Online will be available on day one. That is worth holding next to the free GTA+ month, since a subscription handed to you in November may or may not land during a period when there is much to spend it on.
Read moreMarking 19 November 2026 on your calendar is the easy part. The harder part is separating what Rockstar has said from the estimates stacked around it. GTA 6 is confirmed for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, so for many players a console upgrade is part of the cost of entry. And the number repeated most about the game, its map size, has never come from Rockstar.Release date and the road to itGTA 6 will launch on 19 November 2026. That date is the endpoint of a road that shifted twice, with Rockstar naming each new target rather than letting the old one quietly lapse.The first window came in May 2024, when Rockstar named a Fall 2025 release. In May 2025 that slipped to 26 May 2026. Then in November 2025 the date moved once more, landing on 19 November 2026. Those earlier windows are history rather than promises.PlatformsGTA 6 is set for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and those are the only platforms Rockstar has named. There is no PS4 version and no Xbox One version. The PS5 Pro sits inside the PS5 family rather than arriving as a separate release, so it is a variant of a platform already named, not a third option.A PC version is the obvious absence, and Rockstar has confirmed neither a release nor a date. Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick said in May 2026 that PC can be 45 to 50 percent of a big launch's sales, but that Rockstar starts on consoles because "you're judged by serving the core." When half your revenue lives on one platform, you do not abandon it. You schedule it.Editions, prices and pre-ordersThere are two editions, the Standard Edition at $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $99.99. Ultimate adds exclusive vehicles, weapons and premium apparel woven through the narrative, though Rockstar has not itemized the contents, and no upgrade path from Standard to Ultimate has been announced. Both editions come in digital and physical form, and the physical box holds a download code rather than a disc.Pre-orders opened on 25 June 2026 at midnight local time. Digital pre-load starts on 12 November 2026, the same day boxes reach stores. The Vintage Vice City Pack goes to every order placed before 20 November 2026, with physical stock limited to availability, while one free month of GTA+ is reserved for digital pre-orders only.Rockstar describes the launch as a single-player experience, and it has not confirmed that GTA 6 Online will be available on day one. That matters for the GTA+ month, since a membership tied to the online offering is worth less in a month when there may be nothing online to spend it on.The state of LeonidaGTA 6 takes place in the state of Leonida, and Rockstar has named six regions. Vice City is the returning urban center, a Miami analog taking in Ocean Beach, Little Cuba, the Tisha-Wocka market, Vice City Port and the airport. Mount Kalaga National Park covers the north with hunting, fishing and off-road terrain, and Grassrivers is Everglades-style swampland with alligators.The rest fills out the state. Leonida Keys is an island chain in the south with sharks and boats, Ambrosia an industrial sugar town around the Allied Crystal refinery and the Final Chapter biker gang, and Port Gellhorn a "forgotten coast" of cheap motels, shuttered attractions and empty malls.A state-scale map changes pacing more than raw acreage does. Travel between a national park, coastal keys and separate towns implies longer journeys, more varied terrain and settings that each carry their own tone. Rockstar has not said how the regions connect or how they compare in scale.It has also published no map size. The figures in circulation, spanning roughly 125 to 324 square kilometers, come from community measurement of trailer geometry, fans scaling landmarks out of compressed video. That method cannot account for lens, elevation or the parts of the state no trailer has shown, which is why any site printing one of those numbers as confirmed is overstating it.The protagonists and the confirmed castThere are two protagonists, and Rockstar frames them as a Bonnie and Clyde pair, though it has not said how or when you switch between them. Lucia Caminos is the first playable female lead in the series' history, born in Liberty City, jailed after trying to hold her family together, and taught to fight by her father.Jason Duval served in the army, worked for smugglers out of the Keys, and lives rent-free in an apartment owned by Brian Heder, himself a Keys smuggler. Jason's friend Cal Hampton is a homebody with a taste for conspiracy theories. Stefanie is Lucia's caseworker at the Leonida Department of Corrections, and Raul Bautista is a bank robber whose jobs keep getting more reckless.Vice City's business side runs through Boobie Ike, an entrepreneur with real estate, a recording studio and strip clubs, and Dre'Quan Priest, who runs Only Raw Records and is a hustler rather than a gangster. Real Dimez, the rap duo of Roxy and Bae-Luxe, are signed to Only Raw and carry a heavy social media presence.Other names on circulating cast lists are not confirmed. Rockstar has published no voice cast at all, so every actor credit attached to these roles is unofficial, however often it is reported as settled.The trailers and the 2022 leakOfficial footage runs to two trailers. The first arrived on 4 December 2023, a day ahead of schedule after it leaked, and the second followed on 6 May 2025. "Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look" premiered on 27 August 2026 at 3pm ET, exclusively on Netflix, reaching Rockstar's own channels roughly six hours later. A Netflix-first release is a genuine first for the series.The trailer being pulled forward was a small echo of a much larger breach. On 18 September 2022 around 90 development videos were posted to GTAForums by an account calling itself teapotuberhacker, and Rockstar confirmed the incident publicly. The material was attributed to Arion Kurtaj, linked to the Lapsus$ group and to the Uber intrusion.In December 2023 Kurtaj was detained indefinitely in a secure hospital, after being found unfit to stand trial and making further intrusion attempts while in custody. In 2026 he was discharged from the psychiatric hospital but transferred to an ordinary prison rather than released, with a retrial set for November 2026.If you are buying at launch, keys and account options for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S are listed on Kinguin, and it is worth checking what your platform's version costs on the day you commit. Note the region and activation so the key matches your console: browse GTA 6 on Kinguin.FAQIf a PC version happens, how long might the wait be?Rockstar's past console-to-PC gaps are the only guide, and they vary widely. GTA 4 took about seven months, Red Dead Redemption 2 about twelve, and GTA 5 about nineteen, against an original plan of roughly fourteen. No GTA 6 PC version has been announced, so treat that spread as history, not a schedule.Are the newer GTA 6 leaks as reliable as the 2022 one?No. The 2022 breach was confirmed by Rockstar and prosecuted in court, which is why it is a documented event. The later material passed around since then, such as weapon lists and the rumor about review copies, has a much weaker track record and none of that verification behind it.
Read moreThe GTA 6 standard vs ultimate edition choice looks like a coin flip, since the two versions are separated by exactly $20 and share the same game, release date and platforms. Inside that gap sits a bundle of premium vehicles, weapons and apparel, and nothing else. The pre-order bonuses are a separate matter, and one of the two is narrower than most buyers assume.GTA 6 editions and pricesRockstar is selling GTA 6 in two flavors. The Standard Edition costs $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition costs $99.99, both sold digitally and in a box, and both launching on 19 November 2026. Pre-orders opened on 25 June 2026.Neither version changes where you can play. This is PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, with the PS5 Pro a variant of the PS5 rather than a separate purchase. So the whole question of Standard vs Ultimate comes down to what those extra dollars buy.What's in the GTA 6 Standard EditionThe Standard Edition is the full game, and for most players it is all you need. You get the whole single-player campaign, set across the state of Leonida and following Lucia Caminos, the first playable female lead in the series, and Jason Duval. All six regions, from Vice City to Mount Kalaga National Park, are in this tier; no part of the world is held back.One detail catches physical buyers off guard, and it applies to both editions: the box holds a download code, not a disc. You install the whole game over the internet either way, which also means a used box is just packaging once the code has been redeemed. Digital pre-orders can pre-load from 12 November 2026, the same day boxes reach stores, so neither format gets a head start.What's in the GTA 6 Ultimate EditionThe Ultimate Edition adds exclusive premium vehicles, weapons and apparel, which Rockstar describes as woven through the narrative rather than bolted on as a menu of extras. Rockstar has not itemized the bundle, or said whether any of it affects progression. Without that list, the only honest way to price Ultimate is as a $20 bet on gear you cannot see yet.It is also worth being clear about what Ultimate is not. Rockstar frames the launch as a single-player experience and has not said whether GTA 6 Online will be live on day one. The extra gear is not being sold to you as an online-mode head start.The pre-order bonus, Vintage Vice City Pack and GTA+There are two bonuses here, and merging them is where people go wrong. The Vintage Vice City Pack goes to every order placed before 20 November 2026, across both editions and both formats, with physical copies covered while stocks last. Since the game itself arrives on 19 November, the pre-order bonus outlives launch day, so there is no deadline racing you to midnight.The second bonus is narrower. One free month of GTA+ applies to digital pre-orders only, whichever edition you pick, and physical buyers do not get it. Since Rockstar hasn't said whether Online will be available at launch, a free month handed to you in November may or may not land during a period when there is much to spend it on, so don't overweight it.Is the Ultimate Edition worth $20 more?For the average player, Standard is the smart buy, and Ultimate is worth it only if the extra gear genuinely excites you. Twenty dollars spread across dozens of hours is a small premium, so this is not about money being tight. It comes down to whether premium vehicles and apparel are something you care about, or something you forget by the second mission.Pick Standard if you mostly want the story and the world. Pick Ultimate if you always buy the loaded edition and like starting a Rockstar game with a fuller garage and wardrobe. Rockstar has not announced any Standard-to-Ultimate upgrade path, so if you suspect you will want the extras, buying up front beats banking on a route that may never appear.Compare live Kinguin pricing for EU PS5 and Xbox Series X|S keys, plus account options, before you commit. Marketplace prices for the same edition move independently of Rockstar's $79.99 and $99.99, so it pays to check what a key costs on the day you buy. Note the region and activation carefully so your key matches your platform: see GTA 6 pricing on Kinguin.
Read moreRockstar has named two GTA 6 protagonists and seven supporting characters, and that list is the entire confirmed cast. Lucia Caminos is the first playable woman in a mainline Grand Theft Auto, and Jason Duval is the other half of a pairing Rockstar describes as Bonnie and Clyde. Every voice actor attached to those roles online comes from somewhere other than Rockstar.Lucia CaminosLucia Caminos was born in Liberty City and was imprisoned for trying to provide for her family. Her father taught her to fight. Those are the two biographical details Rockstar has given her, and together they point at a motive the series has not used before: not ambition, but obligation.She is also the only confirmed character with a formal tie to the state. Stefanie, Lucia's counselor at the Leonida Department of Corrections, is the one name on this cast list whose job is oversight rather than hustle, which marks Lucia's half of the story as the half with something watching it.Jason Duval, the other half of the pairJason Duval has military service behind him, has worked for smugglers in the Leonida Keys, and lives rent-free at a place belonging to Brian Heder. That is the whole of his confirmed background, and all of it puts him inside the criminal economy of Leonida before the story starts.Rockstar has confirmed the two leads and the Bonnie and Clyde framing, but has not said how or when the game switches between them. The framing itself is a real narrowing after GTA 5. Three leads meant a heist crew of specialists; two leads bound to each other means the story is a relationship first, and the crimes are what the relationship does.The names around themBrian Heder is a Keys smuggler and the owner of the place Jason lives in. Cal Hampton is Jason's friend, a homebody with a taste for conspiracy theories. Raul Bautista is a bank robber whose jobs are getting more reckless.Three descriptions, three different kinds of trouble: a man who moves goods, a man who never leaves the house, and a man who walks into banks. Rockstar has attached nothing else to any of them.Vice City money and musicBoobie Ike is a Vice City entrepreneur whose interests run across real estate, a recording studio and strip clubs. Dre'Quan Priest runs Only Raw Records and is framed as a hustler rather than a gangster. Real Dimez, the duo of Roxy and Bae-Luxe, are signed to Only Raw and carry a heavy social media presence.Those three fit together on their own: a man with a studio, a label owner, and the act on that label. It is a self-contained web of ambition, image and cash, and it is the only corner of the confirmed cast defined by what these characters are building rather than what they are taking.No voice cast, and three names that are not confirmedRockstar has not announced a single voice actor for GTA 6. The names circulating for Jason, Lucia and the supporting cast trace back to resumes, agency listings and actors' own offhand comments, so nobody yet knows who is playing these parts.Three more characters turn up on some cast lists: Lori Heder, Phil and Wyman. Rockstar has not confirmed any of them, which is why they are not in the list above.GTA 6 arrives on 19 November 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, at $79.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. You can pick up a key on Kinguin.FAQWhen does GTA 6 come out, and on what?19 November 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. There is no PS4 or Xbox One version, and Rockstar has neither confirmed a PC release nor given one a date. Physical copies contain a download code rather than a disc.Will GTA 6 Online be there at launch?Rockstar describes the launch version as a single-player experience and has not confirmed that GTA 6 Online will be available on day one. The free month of GTA+ that comes with digital pre-orders may therefore arrive before there is much to spend it on.
Read moreWaiting out GTA 6 sounds simple until you notice what the 19 November 2026 release actually is, a PS5 and Xbox Series X|S game with no announced PC version at all. That reshapes the whole question if PC is where you play. It also means the phrase games like GTA has to do real work, because it means five different things to five different people.One reader wants a slow-burn crime story, one wants a car that settles into a corner, one wants a systems toy where the fun is in breaking the rules. The picks below are sorted by which of those you are chasing, with platforms and rough prices. Those prices are typical marketplace rates and they move over time.If you want the crime storyRed Dead Redemption 2 is the obvious first stop and it earns it. It is Rockstar's own open world, built with the same DNA as GTA, and its story about a fading outlaw gang is the studio's most affecting writing to date. It runs on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, usually $20 to $40 depending on the sale.Mafia: Definitive Edition is tighter and more linear, a full remake of a period crime tale that trades sprawl for a focused rise-and-fall arc. It sits in the same $20 to $40 band across PS5, Xbox and PC. Sleeping Dogs drops you undercover in Hong Kong with brutal hand-to-hand combat and a genuine sense of place, and it is the best-value pick on this page.The Yakuza and Like a Dragon games give you the crime fantasy filtered through melodrama and comedy, with districts packed dense with side stories. They fall short only on scale, since their worlds are cities rather than states. If what you love about GTA is the writing rather than the acreage, start here.If you want the drivingForza Horizon 5 is the purest driving high on this list. It is not a crime game at all, but if what you love about GTA is the moment a car settles into a corner, nothing here handles better. It lives on Xbox Series X|S and PC, often around $30 to $50.Watch Dogs 2 gives you a sunlit San Francisco with light traffic and a hacking layer that lets you mess with the road itself. It is usually under $20 on PC, Xbox and PlayStation, and it is a warmer, funnier alternative to GTA's harder edge.Cyberpunk 2077 is the other end of the scale. Night City is one of the densest urban spaces ever built, and its driving has come a long way since launch. It runs on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, typically $30 to $40 now.If you want the chaos sandboxThe Saints Row series exists for people who found GTA too self-serious. It hands you absurd weapons, over-the-top missions and a city that treats destruction as the point rather than a side effect. The older entries are frequently under $20 across PC, PlayStation and Xbox.Just Cause is the physics toy in its rawest form, a grappling hook, a parachute and a wingsuit that turn every explosion into a launchpad. It rewards improvisation over planning and goes cheap regularly. Watch Dogs: Legion runs a different flavor of chaos, letting you recruit and play as anyone in a near-future London.Goat Simulator 3 is the comic outlier, a deliberately broken sandbox that treats bugs as features and works best in short, silly bursts. It is inexpensive on every current platform. None of these asks you to care about a plot, which is the whole appeal.If you want co-opGTA 5 Online is the honest answer here. The crew-and-heist fantasy that Rockstar has not confirmed for GTA 6's launch already exists there, with a decade of content behind it, and GTA 5 itself frequently drops under $20 on PC and both consoles.Beyond that, Watch Dogs: Legion and the Saints Row games carry co-op campaigns, so two of the chaos picks above double as something to do with a friend. Co-op is also the cheapest way to stretch a game you already own instead of buying another one.If you're on PC and have no GTA 6 dateThe strongest single answer is GTA 5 Enhanced with mods. It is the same world you already love, running better than ever, and the modding scene turns it into dozens of different games. That matters more on PC than anywhere else, because the PC wait is the open-ended one.After that, Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077 are the two best modern open worlds available on PC, both usually in the $30 to $40 range, and both hold up for dozens of hours. These are the games like GTA for PC worth your money right now.None of these replaces GTA 6, and we are not going to pretend they do. What they do is fill the gap honestly while you wait for a release you cannot yet mark on a calendar.When GTA 6 arrivesGTA 6 releases 19 November 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a Standard Edition at $79.99 and an Ultimate Edition at $99.99. Digital pre-load opens 12 November 2026 and boxed copies reach retail the same day, though those boxes hold a download code rather than a disc.Pre-orders have been open since 25 June 2026. Orders placed before 20 November 2026 get the Vintage Vice City Pack, physical copies while stocks last, and the free month of GTA+ goes to digital pre-orders only. Rockstar frames the launch as a single-player experience and has not said whether GTA 6 Online will be there on day one.Until then, the picks above are worth playing on their own terms rather than as a waiting room. If you are getting set for 19 November, Kinguin carries GTA 5, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S keys for GTA 6, and PSN and Xbox gift cards.FAQAre there GTA-like games on PS5?Yes, and several of them. Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Mafia: Definitive Edition, Just Cause and the Saints Row games all run on PS5, spanning crime stories, driving and chaos sandboxes, and most sit comfortably in the $20 to $40 range.Does the GTA 6 Ultimate Edition change how the game plays?Rockstar has not said. Ultimate adds exclusive vehicles, weapons and premium clothing described as woven through the narrative, but no full item list has been published and nothing confirms whether any of it affects progression. There is also no announced upgrade path from Standard to Ultimate.
Read moreThe real decision here is whether to buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S for the 19 November 2026 console launch or hold out for a PC version. The catch is that no GTA 6 PC release date exists to hold out for, because Rockstar has confirmed neither a PC edition nor a date. Everything you can responsibly say about GTA 6 on PC rests on two things, one quote from Take-Two's CEO and Rockstar's own history of porting its games.What Rockstar and Take-Two have actually saidIn May 2026, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick explained the console-first approach by saying Rockstar leads on consoles because "you're judged by serving the core." In the same breath he acknowledged that PC could represent 45 to 50% of a major launch's sales. That is the single most valuable thing anyone official has said about GTA 6 on PC.Read carefully, the quote does two jobs. It shows that launching on consoles first is a deliberate choice rather than a technical limitation, and it signals that PC is far too large a market to ignore. When roughly half your potential revenue lives on one platform, you do not abandon it. You schedule it.The quote is about strategy, not scheduling. It turns "is GTA 6 coming to PC" into a question of when rather than if, and it stops there.Rockstar's PC track recordThe precedent is consistent in shape if not in length. GTA 4 reached PC roughly seven months after its console debut, Red Dead Redemption 2 around twelve, and GTA 5 about nineteen, against an original pre-delay plan closer to fourteen.Those gaps do not line up with how ambitious each game was. GTA 5's long wait reflected a staggered generational strategy, with console re-releases arriving before the eventual PC edition. Read the three numbers as a range Rockstar has worked within, not as a rule with a cause attached to it.So when might GTA 6 reach PC?Seven to nineteen months after 19 November 2026 puts a PC edition somewhere between the middle of 2027 and the middle of 2028. That is a projection off three data points, and the twelve-month mark sits closest to Rockstar's most recent port, which is the one most likely to reflect how the studio works now.Rockstar is also unlikely to say anything until the console launch has settled. An early PC date pulls attention off the version the studio chose to lead with, and it commits the team to a deadline before they know how the port is going. That argues against news in the first weeks after launch whatever state the port is actually in.Why there are no GTA 6 PC system requirementsThere are no official GTA 6 PC system requirements. Rockstar has published no PC specifications and has not confirmed the version those specifications would describe, so any GPU tier, RAM figure or storage number circulating now has no official document behind it.Treat a requirements list the way you would treat a "leaked" internal date. Until it appears on the Rockstar Newswire or an official store page, it is not something to plan a hardware upgrade around.What PC players can do right nowGTA 5 Enhanced on PC is the anchor. It is the same Los Santos with better lighting and framerates, and the modding scene has spent a decade turning it into dozens of different games. If you drifted away once the story ended, that is where the hours are.Red Dead Redemption 2 is the closest thing to GTA that exists, because it shares a creator, and its outlaw story is Rockstar's most affecting writing. Cyberpunk 2077 has the densest city on this list in Night City, and both its handling and its performance are far better than they were at launch. Both go cheap in sales.Watch Dogs 2 is the lightest of these, a sunlit San Francisco with forgiving traffic and a hacking layer to play with, and it is the cheapest route to an open city with cars in it. Saints Row covers the other extreme, the comic sandbox GTA stopped being years ago. Between those five, the wait is a scheduling problem rather than a drought.Should you buy a PS5 or Xbox for GTA 6?If you buy a console purely for GTA 6, you are paying for hardware plus a full-price game to avoid a wait that could run a year or more. What that money actually buys is a date certain, which is the one thing the PC route cannot offer you.Weigh what else the machine earns you. A current-gen console brings an exclusive library you cannot get on PC and a straightforward path to launch day. For someone who plays console games anyway, the math works. For someone buying a box for one countdown, it usually does not.If you are staying on PC, Kinguin has GTA 5 if an enhanced return is where you start, and PS5 and Xbox Series X|S keys for GTA 6 if you decide the console route is worth it. Either way, spend on what you can play now.FAQIs there a PS4 or Xbox One version of GTA 6?No. Rockstar and Take-Two name PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S only, and there is no last-generation edition. The PS5 Pro is a variant of the PS5 rather than a separately announced platform, so it does not need one either.Do physical copies of GTA 6 include a disc?No. The boxed editions contain a download code, so whether your console has a disc drive does not affect this purchase. Digital pre-load opens 12 November 2026 and boxes reach shops the same day.Will GTA 6 Online be available at launch?Rockstar has not said. It describes the launch as a single-player experience and has not confirmed whether GTA 6 Online is part of it, which is worth knowing before you buy hardware with a co-op plan in mind.
Read moreThank YOU, Kings ❤️20 million registered users!It's a number we're incredibly proud of, but behind that number is something much more important: YOU.Whether you've been with us for years or just joined the KINGdom yesterday, thank you for being part of this journey.Thank you for every purchase, every recommendation, every message, every review and every piece of feedback you've shared with us along the way. Your ideas, opinions and support have helped shape Kinguin into what it is today.Gaming has always been about bringing people together and we're grateful that millions of you chose Kinguin as part of your gaming story. As we celebrate this milestone, we're not just looking back at how far we've come - we're excited about everything that's still ahead. New adventures, new features, new games and new ways to make your experience even better.From everyone at Kinguin: Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your support. Thank you for being part of our Kingdom.Here's to the next chapter and to many more years of gaming together 🧡YOUR Kinguin Team
Read moreEvery year, May the 4th brings the galaxy together - but in 2026, the Force feels stronger than ever. Whether you're a lifelong Jedi, a Sith in disguise or just someone looking to finally dive into the Star Wars universe, this year’s celebrations come packed with game deals, rewards and a few surprises worthy of a holocron.From modern hits to timeless classics, this is more than just a sale - it’s a full-blown Star Wars experience. A galaxy of deals: From Jedi Survivors to Classic LegendsLet’s start with the obvious - the games.This year’s May the 4th lineup brings together some of the most iconic Star Wars titles across generations. Leading the charge is Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, a cinematic, story-driven sequel that continues Cal Kestis’ journey in a darker, more dangerous galaxy. For fans of large-scale battles, Star Wars Battlefront II still delivers chaotic multiplayer clashes across legendary locations.But it’s not just about the modern era.Classic experiences like Knights of the Old Republic and Dark Forces are also part of the celebration, proving that great Star Wars storytelling never goes out of style. And if you’re looking for something more lighthearted, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga remains one of the most accessible and entertaining ways to relive the entire saga.The Mystery Box: Let the Force decide your fateNot every journey is predictable - and that’s exactly the point.The “May the Loot Be With You” Mystery Box adds a layer of surprise to the celebration. Instead of choosing your next adventure, you let the Force decide. Each box contains a random title from a curated selection, including heavy hitters like Jedi: Survivor, Battlefront Classic Collection and even Mass Effect Legendary Edition.It’s part gamble, part discovery - and for many players, that’s where the fun begins. Get it here.Win the Millennium FalconNo Star Wars event would be complete without something big - and this year’s giveaway delivers.Players can enter a contest for a chance to win the LEGO Millennium Falcon (#75192), one of the most iconic collector’s sets ever released. Alongside it, additional prizes like Kinguin gift cards are up for grabs, making it a solid opportunity whether you’re a collector, a builder or just here for the loot.Entry is simple, but the reward? Legendary. Something for every kind of fanWhat makes this May the 4th event stand out is how wide its reach is.Want a deep, narrative-driven journey? - Jedi seriesPrefer competitive or large-scale battles? - BattlefrontLooking for nostalgia? - KOTOR, Dark ForcesPlaying with friends or just chilling? - LEGO Star Wars The Force is strong with this oneAt its core, May the 4th has always been about celebrating what makes Star Wars special - stories, choices and the feeling that you’re part of something bigger.This year’s event captures that perfectly. Between discounted games, mystery rewards and a chance to win one of the most iconic ships in sci-fi history, there’s a clear message:Your journey starts now and May the 4th be with you!
Read moreAt first glance, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era might not seem like the kind of game that dominates headlines. There’s no massive cinematic push, no loud marketing campaign trying to convince everyone that this is the next big thing in strategy games. And yet, the more you look at it, the more it starts to feel like something quietly important - not just for long-time fans, but for the genre as a whole.Because in a landscape where strategy games are constantly trying to move faster, automate more, and appeal to broader audiences, Olden Era seems to be doing something surprisingly rare: It’s slowing things down.A different kind of strategy game in a modern marketModern strategy games often lean toward speed and efficiency. Whether it’s real-time gameplay, heavy automation, or systems designed to minimize downtime, the goal is usually the same - keep players constantly engaged, constantly reacting.The Olden Era takes a different route. By staying firmly in the turn-based space, it brings back a style of play where time is on your side. You’re not rushing to keep up. You’re planning, exploring and making decisions that unfold over time. It’s a design philosophy that used to define the genre, but has become less common in recent years. Why going back to Erathia actually mattersWorldbuilding has always been a huge part of what made Heroes memorable. The sense of place, the factions, the atmosphere - these weren’t just background elements, they shaped how you played and how you connected with the game.By revisiting a more classic fantasy tone, Olden Era taps into something that feels familiar without needing to rely entirely on nostalgia. It creates a world that’s easy to understand, but still rich enough to explore. For returning players, it feels like coming home. For new players, it’s an accessible entry point.Clarity over chaosOne of the more subtle strengths of the Olden Era, at least based on what we’ve seen so far, is its focus on clarity. In many modern strategy games, complexity can sometimes come at the cost of readability. Systems stack on top of systems, and while that can create depth, it can also make the experience harder to follow.Olden Era seems to avoid that trap. The visuals are designed to support gameplay, not overwhelm it. The map is readable, the units are distinct, and the overall structure feels intentional. It’s the kind of design that lets players focus on decisions instead of deciphering the interface.That might not sound flashy, but it’s incredibly important and often overlooked.Not just for veteransIt would be easy to assume that Olden Era is aimed purely at long-time fans of the series. And while they are clearly a key audience, the game also has the potential to reach beyond that.By combining familiar mechanics with modern usability, it creates a space where new players can jump in without feeling lost. The core ideas are simple enough to understand, but layered enough to reward those who want to go deeper.In a way, it offers something that many strategy games struggle with: a low barrier to entry, but a high skill ceiling. That’s a powerful combination, especially in today’s market.A quiet contenderOlden Era might not be the loudest release on the horizon, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked. In fact, its more restrained approach could end up being its biggest strength. By focusing on what actually makes strategy games satisfying - thoughtful pacing, clear systems and meaningful decisions it positions itself as something that can stick with players for the long term. You don’t have to wait to jump inIf you’re already interested, there’s good news - you don’t have to just watch from the sidelines. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is already available on Kinguin, making it easy to secure your copy ahead of release.And if you’re feeling nostalgic, you can also pick up the classic Heroes games there - including Heroes III and other entries that defined the series.
Read moreFor a lot of players, Heroes of Might and Magic III isn’t just another strategy game from the past - it’s something that quietly shaped how they think about games even today. It’s the kind of title people reinstall every few years, telling themselves it’s just for a quick session, only to realize hours later that they’re still chasing that one last turn before going to bed.That magic never really disappeared. What did disappear, however, was a true continuation of it.Over the years, we’ve seen new entries try to carry the Heroes name forward, but something always felt slightly off. Sometimes it was the tone, sometimes the mechanics, and sometimes it was harder to define - just a general feeling that the soul of the series had been lost somewhere along the way. Players didn’t necessarily want something bigger or more modern. They wanted something that understood why the older games worked in the first place.And that’s where Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era starts to feel… different.Not a reinvention and that’s the pointWhat immediately stands out about the Olden Era isn’t that it’s trying to push the genre in a bold new direction. If anything, it feels like it’s doing the opposite - stepping back, slowing down and looking closely at what made Heroes special to begin with.From the early footage and details we’ve seen so far, there’s a clear focus on readability and structure. The map feels designed to be explored, not rushed through. The gameplay loop appears deliberate, encouraging players to think ahead instead of reacting in real time. It doesn’t scream for attention with flashy systems or unnecessary complexity. Instead, it quietly suggests that maybe the best way forward is to respect what already worked.That approach alone is enough to catch the attention of long-time fans. The kind of strategy people actually missThere’s a reason people still talk about Heroes III the way they do, and it’s not just nostalgia.It’s about the rhythm of the game - the slow buildup, the tension of deciding where to move next, the satisfaction of finally outplaying an opponent after carefully planning several turns ahead. It’s about having enough systems to create depth, but not so many that the experience becomes overwhelming.Olden Era seems to lean into that philosophy. It brings back a pace that allows decisions to breathe, where exploration feels meaningful and every resource matters. Instead of trying to compete with faster, more chaotic strategy games, it embraces a more thoughtful approach - one that rewards patience and planning.In a market full of games trying to be louder and faster, that kind of restraint actually stands out.Familiar, but not stuck in the pastWhat’s interesting is that the Olden Era doesn’t appear to be chasing nostalgia blindly. While it clearly draws inspiration from earlier titles, it doesn’t feel like a simple copy.There’s an effort to balance familiarity with subtle modernization. The visuals, for example, seem to aim for clarity as much as style, making it easier to read the battlefield and navigate the world. The systems look approachable enough for new players, while still offering depth for those who want to dive deeper.That balance could be crucial. Because while long-time fans are the obvious audience, the game also has a chance to introduce a new generation to a type of strategy experience that’s become surprisingly rare. Hope, with a bit of cautionIf there’s one thing the Heroes community has learned over the years, it’s to be careful with expectations.There’s definitely excitement around the Olden Era, but it’s a quieter kind of hype - less about bold promises, and more about cautious optimism. Players are paying attention, analyzing every bit of gameplay footage, trying to figure out whether this is finally the game that gets it right.And for the first time in a long while, there’s a growing sense that it just might. A comeback worth watchingIt’s still too early to say whether Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era will reach the same legendary status as Heroes III. That’s a level very few games ever achieve.But what it’s already doing is arguably just as important.It’s reminding people why they fell in love with the series in the first place, while suggesting that those ideas can still work today without being radically reinvented. If the final game delivers on what it’s currently showing, this could be more than just another entry in the series - it could be a genuine return to form.And for fans who have been waiting for something like this for years, that possibility alone is enough to get excited. Ready to return to the world of Heroes?If reading this made you want to jump back into the series, you don’t actually have to wait for Olden Era to release.You can already explore the world of Heroes of Might and Magic on Kinguin, where you’ll find not only the upcoming Olden Era, but also the classic entries that defined the genre - including the legendary Heroes III.So whether you’re coming back for nostalgia or preparing for what’s next, one thing is clear: the Heroes journey is far from over.
Read moreFußball in Deutschland ist mehr als nur ein Spiel.Er ist Teil unserer Kultur, unserer Biografien, unserer Wochenenden. Er begleitet uns seit der Kindheit – vom Bolzplatz hinterm Haus bis zum ersten Derby mit dem Vater.Für Millionen Menschen bedeutet Fußball Zugehörigkeit. Zu einem Verein. Zu einer Stadt. Zu einer Gemeinschaft.Doch genau dieser verbindende Kern des Sports gerät zunehmend unter Druck.Um heute die wichtigsten Wettbewerbe legal verfolgen zu können, müssen Fans in Deutschland mehrere Abonnements abschließen – und am Ende weit über 1.400 Euro pro Saison bezahlen. Nicht für Tickets. Nicht für Trikots. Nicht für das Bier im Stadion. Sondern allein für den digitalen Zugang zum Bildschirm.Fußball wird damit schleichend vom Volkssport zum Premiumprodukt. Wer nicht zahlt, bleibt außen vor. Familien müssen abwägen, Studierende verzichten, ältere Fans verlieren den Anschluss an „ihren“ Verein.Das ist kein Fortschritt. Das ist Entfremdung.Denn Fußball lebt nicht von Paywalls – er lebt von Menschen. Von Emotionen. Von der gemeinsamen Erfahrung, die Generationen, Einkommen und Lebenswelten miteinander verbindet.Wenn sich Millionen Fans fragen, ob sie sich ihren Lieblingssport noch leisten können, läuft etwas grundlegend falsch.Und genau hier beginnt diese Geschichte. Fußball war einmal für alle daDer legendäre Kapitän der deutschen Nationalmannschaft, langjähriger Spieler des FC Bayern München und eine Ikone der Bundesliga brachte die Werte des Sports klar auf den Punkt:„Sportliches Verhalten bedeutet faires Verhalten.”— Philipp LahmFairness bedeutete früher auch: Zugänglichkeit. Fußball war etwas, das man nach der Arbeit einschalten konnte, ohne zuerst das eigene Budget zu prüfen.Um heute in Deutschland alle relevanten Fußballwettbewerbe legal verfolgen zu können, reicht längst kein einzelnes Abo mehr aus. Die Übertragungsrechte sind auf verschiedene Anbieter verteilt – jeder besitzt nur einen Teil des Gesamtpakets. Wer Bundesliga, internationale Wettbewerbe und die entscheidenden Top-Spiele sehen will, muss mehrere Plattformen parallel abonnieren. Erst in der Summe wird sichtbar, wie teuer dieser zersplitterte Markt für Fans wirklich ist. Wie sieht es genau in Zahlen aus? ca. 1340€ Genau so viel wirst du in den kommenden Jahren in Deutschland zahlen müssen, um einfach nur Fußball schauen zu können. Der Fußball ist noch da – doch die Direktanbieter machen den Zugang jedes Jahr teurerWie genannt, wer Bundesliga und die großen europäischen Wettbewerbe verfolgen möchte, steht inzwischen vor Kosten von über 1.200 bis 1.400 € pro Jahr.Das ist mehr als:Die durchschnittlichen Stromkosten einer 3-Personen-Familie ca. 1310 € Ein neues iPhone 17 Pro ca. 1299 €Der Wert von drei Trabis deines Onkels ca. drei Kästen Bier ;)Und trotzdem fühlt sich Fußball heute nicht mehr wie ein gemeinsames Kulturgut an,sondern wie ein Geschäftsmodell auf Kosten der Fans.Immer neue Abos, immer neue Paywalls, immer neue Rechnungen –während man uns erzählt, es sei „Fortschritt“.Der Fußball ist noch da.Nur der Zugang zu ihm wird jedes Jahr ein Stück teurer. Schluss mit Abo-Chaos: So behalten Fans die Kontrolle über ihre KostenNiemand verlangt kostenlosen Fußball. Aber immer mehr Fans haben genug davon, dass ihr Hobby jedes Jahr neu verpackt und teurer verkauft wird.Die gute Nachricht:Man muss dieses Spiel nicht mehr zu den Bedingungen der großen Anbieter mitspielen. Denn es entsteht gerade ein zweiter Markt – digitale Marktplätze, auf denen Abos, Guthaben und Zugänge legal weitergegeben, verglichen und flexibel genutzt werden können.So behältst du die Kontrolle:1. Geh auf einen digitalen Marktplatz, zum Beispiel: Kinguin.net 2. Suche nach dem Abo, das dich interessiert, zum Beispiel: Amazon Prime 12 Monate3. Vergleiche die Preise auf dem Marktplatz mit anderen Anbietern 4. … und sieh selbst, wie viel günstiger Abonnements auf Marktplätzen wie Kinguin wirklich sind.Du entscheidest, was ein fairer Preis ist – nicht der Konzern.
Read moreSome announcements are important.Some are exciting.And then there is this one.Kinguin has officially adopted a penguin at the Warsaw Zoo.And not just any penguin.From today, Kowalski the penguin is our new ambassador. 👑 Ambassador reveal: KowalskiKowalski is a full Kinguin ambassador.He doesn’t stream (yet). He doesn’t tweet (for now).But:🐟 he loves fish (like every penguin with self-respect)🌊 he spends time with other penguins - because penguins are super social🖤🤍 he looks great in his tuxedo 24/7😎 he stays cool in every situation This adoption is not just symbolic. Kinguin supports Kowalski’s care and daily needs at the Warsaw Zoo. He is under the professional care of experienced keepers and together we make sure he has proper food (yes, lots of fish 🐟), a safe and comfortable place to live, and good conditions every single day.Who is the African (Cape) penguin?Kowalski is an African penguin (Spheniscus demersus).🌍 Penguins from AfricaYes, really.African penguins live near the coast of South Africa and Namibia.Not all penguins live in ice and snow.🔊 They are very loudAfrican penguins make sounds that are similar to a donkey.That’s why people sometimes call them “jackass penguins”.They use sound to talk, find each other, and stay together.🖤 Every penguin is uniqueThe black dots on a penguin’s belly are different for each one.It’s like a fingerprint. Kowalski has his own unique pattern.🐟 Fish is serious businessThey eat mostly fish, like sardines and anchovies.For penguins, fish time = best time.🏊 Water prosIn water, penguins are fast and smooth swimmers.On land… they walk funny. And that’s part of the charm.👥 Community firstAfrican penguins are very social animals.They live in groups, recognize each other, and stay close.We feel that. 🐧 A day in the life of KowalskiWhat does our ambassador do all day?swimschillshangs out with other penguinswaits for fishgets fishwaits for more fishSimple life. Good life. 💙 King's CareKinguin is more than games and digital products. We believe in community, responsibility and doing good things beyond the screen.By adopting Kowalski, we support animal care and help protect an endangered species - in a way that feels true to who we are. Welcome to the team, Kowalski!It’s official now.Kowalski the African penguin is the new Kinguin ambassador.Welcome to the family 💙
Read more[ALERT] — SYSTEM LOG: KINGUIN.NET DATE: 17.11.2025 STATUS: SECURITY BREACH DETECTED INTEGRITY LEVEL: COMPROMISED ⚠️⚠️ PRICE INTEGRITY COMPROMISEDOur systems are… not okay.Price files are corrupt. Discounts are spreading. Codes are leaking faster than we can patch them.Reports confirm:Amazon, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam prepaid stock exposed.Game release prices behaving violently.KING’s Pass users overriding firewalls to access classified deals. ACTIVE ZONES: BLACK WEEKSNovember 17 — December 6.The Kinguin network remains unstable.New Games Escaped ContainmentPrepaid Leaks Flooding MarketplacesFlash Sales Reload Every Few HoursKING’s Pass Users Breaking the System (legally) Every scroll could open a wormhole into -90% deals. Proceed carefully but fast!💾 SYSTEM FILES // GAME RELEASES BREACHEDThe biggest games of the year didn’t just launch - they fell straight into the glitch.Here’s what escaped the vault:Call of Duty: Black Ops 7File name: BLACKOPS_MEMORY_CORRUPT.exeDescription: Explosions. Lies. David Mason’s midlife crisis.Action: Buy before the servers remember the real price.ARC RaidersFile name: ARCRAIDERS_FREEFALL.dllStatus: Co-op chaos detected. Too many players winching trees for physics stability.Action: Recommended fix — grab for cheap and embrace the beautiful mess.Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2File name: SPACEMARINE_ULTRABRO.cogIssue: Chainsword prices dropping faster than heretics.Action: Purge full-price heresy immediately.Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate EditionFile name: PATCH_3.0_REDEMPTION.savDescription: Finally stable, finally worth it — and now, finally cheap.Action: Install before Night City notices.Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIFile name: MEDIEVAL_GLITCH.knightError log: Horses clipping into castles. Peasants rioting about discounts.Action: Grab your sword (and wallet) before the king restores order.THE PREPAID LEAKPrepaid stock has gone rogue - Amazon, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam cards are dropping with up to 90% off.Every discount turns into currency to spend elsewhere ⏰ FLASH PROTOCOLS ENGAGEDRotating “glitch windows” are now live.Deals vanish and reappear every few hours.Next event cycle: unpredictable.FIREWALL BYPASSED — KING’S PASS USERS DETECTEDKING’s Pass subscribers broke containment first.Now they rule the breach with:Up to 25% deeper discountsEarly deal accessRandom “KING’s Drops” during chaos hours🧠 SYSTEM NOTECampaign Duration: Nov 17 – Dec 6Peak Instability: Black Friday (Nov 28) // Cyber Monday (Dec 1) [TERMINAL MESSAGE: END OF TRANSMISSION] Reboot scheduled for 06.12.2025. Until then… enjoy the chaos.
Read moreNovember feels big - not because of the weather, but because this is when the KING’s Pass starts showing what it’s really made of.If you already have it, you know the drill. If you don’t… well, you might want to.KING’s Pass in a nutshellKING’s Pass is for people who love games and hate overpaying.For the price of one lunch a month (2.99 EUR + tax), you unlock:KING’s Discounts - More games, less spending. Save up to 25% on over 150K+ games, prepaids, and in-game items - every deal hits harder with KING’s Pass.KING’s Gift - Free games. Every month. Get a new game or private server every month - no catches, just rewards.Pre-Order Priority - Be the first to claim pre-orders. KING’s Pass members get priority access when demand peaks.KING’s Support - A dedicated support and care just for KING’s Pass members, ready to fix anything fast so you can get back to gaming.KING’s Premium Deals - Access special offers and deals made just for KING’s Pass members. The best stuff, fitted for the kings! It’s the kind of thing that quietly saves you money while feeling like a small upgrade to your gaming life.And then there’s KING’s DropEvery week, something special happens - a major game goes live for €1.Limited keys, fast fingers, good luck.That’s the KING’s Drop: a weekly surprise where a few members walk away with huge titles for pocket change.No tricks, just timing.November line-upThis month’s drops read like a wishlist: Each drop opens for members only - so if you’re holding a pass, your November already looks good.The KING’s Pass isn’t about spending more; it’s about making every purchase feel smarter.It’s quiet, it’s simple, and it just works.The month to startNovember’s line-up is probably the best reason yet to give it a try.Even if you only join for one month, you’ll see how much further your wallet goes when you’re part of the royal circle.And if you already have the pass - keep an eye on THAT timer.Your next favorite game might be waiting in this month’s KING’s Drop.Because on Kinguin, being a king just means playing smarter 👑
Read moreThat "yes, this is it!" moment - that’s exactly the experience we want to make even smoother.Introducing Kingu 🦾 - Our AI customer chatbot, co-created with our community - with a name chosen by users, for everyone.What makes Kingu special? Pre-tested on thousands of interactions and real-life problems, so it knows what you need 📈 Goes beyond genres and categories available in standard search, helping you discover games effortlessly 🃏 Gives access to all active products on Kinguin through simple interactions 🎯 Creates tickets with automatic category assignment, so your request reaches the right team as quickly as possible 🎟️ Need to check your order status here and now? Kingu makes it instantly accessible 💳 Guides you through FAQs with step-by-step video tutorials, so you can follow along and solve issues effortlessly 🎥 Kingu is a new AI assistant designed to help you get an even better experience on Kinguin. For longtime Kinguin users, you might remember that Milo originally appeared as a little easter egg in our comics - Kingu is back with a wink just for you 😉
Read moreThe new school year is here, but don’t get sad! It’s time to celebrate and keep the fun going. Kinguin is giving away free Minecraft servers for everyone! Yes, completely free. No tricks, no hidden fees. Just your own Minecraft world to explore with friends.Why do you need a Minecraft server?A private Minecraft server is more than just a place to play. It’s your world, your rules:Build without limits – create huge castles, pixel art, or even your own city with friends.Survive together – team up in Survival Mode, fight mobs, and collect rare items.Mods & plugins – add custom features, skins, or minigames. Turn your server into a playground.Invite friends anytime – no more waiting for others. Your server is always online, ready for action. Make it a place where you and your squad hang out after school. It’s perfect if you want freedom, creativity, or just a safe spot to play with your team. And here’s the best part: Kinguin is now giving away free Minecraft servers to celebrate Back to School. It’s simple:Go to the promo page & claim your free server NOW! No payments, no credit card needed. Just pure Minecraft fun, hosted by Kinguin. Celebrate Back to School the fun wayWe know school can feel heavy after summer break. But this year, you can start it with something fun: your own Minecraft world. Play with friends, explore together, and show off your creativity. Forget the “back to school blues” - this September is all about building, exploring, and having fun for free. FAQ – Free Minecraft Server from KinguinIs the Minecraft server really free?Yes! Kinguin is giving away servers with no hidden fees. Just claim it and start playing. How long does the free server last?The server is free for the promotional period - 7 days. You can extend or upgrade later if you want, but the starting offer costs you nothing. Can I install mods on my free server?Of course! You can add mods, plugins, and custom features to make the server truly yours. Do I need special software to run it?No. Everything is hosted online. You just claim the server and log in through Minecraft as usual. Don’t miss this chance: Kinguin is giving away free Minecraft servers for everyone. Celebrate the new school year with your squad, craft epic builds, and keep the fun alive every day. 👉 Claim your free server now here and start your adventure today.
Read moreThe wait is over - KING’s Pass has arrived on Kinguin. It’s not just another subscription; it’s your ticket to cheaper games, secret deals, and a little extra thrill every week. If you’ve ever searched “where to buy cheap PC games” or “best gaming subscription 2025”, this is what you were hoping to find. What You Get With KING’s Pass 👑KING’s Pass unlocks powerful tools for every gamer:Big Discounts – Save up to 25% on thousands of games, DLCs, software, and in-game items.Free Monthly Gift – Every month, you can grab a free PC game key or even hosting for your own server.Pre-Order Priority – Get first access to the games everyone is waiting forVIP Support – Dedicated Customer support just for the KING’s Pass members.Premium Deals – Hidden offers only available to KING’s Pass. And here’s the kicker: it’s only 2.99 EUR per month. Yes, less than your coffee on the go!KING’s Drop: The Weekly Gaming RushBeing a member also means you unlock KING’s Drop - weekly events with limited stock and massive discounts.New drops every week.Limited to KING’s Pass members only.First-come, first-served - once it’s gone, it’s gone.One week it could be a cult classic, another week a fresh indie hit. Every drop is different, and every drop is exciting.Why Join Now?Save money on every purchase - the more you game, the more you save.Enjoy surprise gifts - monthly freebies keep your library growing.Get the thrill of the Drop - fast, fun, and only for members.Cancel anytime - no lock-in, no stress.KING’s Pass was made for gamers who don’t just play - they live the game. KING’s Pass makes gaming cheaper, faster, and more fun. From discounts to free games and weekly Drops, it’s a subscription built to power up your library without draining your wallet.If you’re ready to level up how you buy games, join KING’s Pass today on Kinguin.Because gaming should feel epic - not expensive.
Read moreSummer break is over, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. At Kinguin, we’re starting the school year with big discounts on the hottest games and must-have software. Whether you want to relax after classes with your favorite titles or need tools to get work done, we’ve got your back.Top games on sale - now cheaperHere are some of the biggest hits and hidden gems you can grab with Back to School savings:EA Sports FC 25 – up to 35% offMinecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition – about 20% offHogwarts Legacy – almost 40% offRed Dead Redemption 2 – over 60% offThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt GOTY – more than 80% offBaldur’s Gate 3 – around 20% offGTA V: Premium Edition – up to 75% offElden Ring – about 30% offCyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition – around 35% off Must-Have Software DealsNot only games - start the school year with software for less:Microsoft Office 2021 Pro Plus – over 80% offWindows 11 Pro – up to 85% offESET Internet Security – almost 90% offBitdefender Total Security – around 85% offCorelDRAW Graphics Suite – up to 60% offVegas Pro 21 Edit – up to 70% offPerfect for school projects, editing, design, or just keeping your laptop safe. Contest: Too Cool For SchoolJoin our “Too Cool For School” contest and get the chance to win: 🎮 3x Cooler Master gaming chairs🖥️ 10x iiyama monitors💳 30x Kinguin vouchers worth €75 eachJust play and join - it’s that simple. Cashback is KingAnd here’s another way to save more: with our Cashback is King promo, you can get up to €10 cashback for your next shopping. The more you play and buy, the more you save. Don’t miss this chance to stack deals and come back for even cheaper games. Free Minecraft ServerHere’s something extra for the community: every player can grab a free Minecraft server to play with friends. Build your own world, install mods, and enjoy smooth gameplay for free. Find out more here. This September, make your Back to School season legendary. Save up to 90% on games and software, join our contest, claim cashback for even more savings, and don’t forget to start your free Minecraft server with friends. Only at Kinguin.
Read more Welcome to the Kinguin Summer Fun Arcade - your ultimate digital amusement park! We've opened the gates, fired up the pixel-powered popcorn machines, and rolled out a rollercoaster of sweet summer deals. Forget the heatwaves and mosquito bites. This summer, the only thing you’ll be sweating over is what game to play next 💦 Let’s explore the most exciting attractions in the park - your summer starts now! The Sims 4 – Poolside Splash Kit DLCReady to throw the ultimate backyard bash? This DLC is a mini-expansion for The Sims 4 that adds stylish swimsuits, colorful floaties, and even a flamingo sprinkler. Perfect if you love to micromanage fictional humans and their pool parties.Paradise Beach SimulatorA peaceful beach, relaxing waves, and zero responsibilities. Build your own resort, design chill zones, and pretend you’re the world's best beach manager. Think Sims meets island chill vibes.PowerWash SimulatorThere’s dirt. There’s grime. And then, there’s you - the power-washing savior with a hose and a dream. From grimy playgrounds to haunted houses (yes, there are themed DLCs), this game turns cleaning into pure joy.Dave the DiverHalf deep-sea diver, half sushi restaurant manager, Dave the Diver is like Stardew Valley got lost in the ocean and brought back a tuna. Funny, quirky, and packed with unexpected twists, you’ll never look at sea cucumbers the same.DorfromantikThis is your zen zone. Build forests, lakes, and cute towns by placing relaxing tiles. No pressure. No enemies. Just peaceful puzzle-building with expansions like The Game Mode Update and Seasons DLC for extra vibes.Pool Cleaning SimulatorFrom gross to glossy, this sim lets you scrub, vacuum, and purify fancy pools and backyard messes. Oddly satisfying and way less sweaty than doing it IRL.Forza Horizon 5Take on open-world Mexico in this gorgeous, high-speed racer. With events from volcano races to beach drag strips and DLCs like Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure, this game is summer freedom in a sports car.ISLANDERSSimple. Beautiful. Addictive. Build peaceful little cities on colorful islands and watch the points stack up. ISLANDERS is low-pressure strategy that rewards your creativity - perfect for lazy summer evenings.ABZÛFrom the art director of Journey and Flower, ABZÛ is an underwater exploration game that feels like a playable dream. Swim with whales, explore ruins, and discover a mysterious world without a single weapon in sight.Planet CoasterMake the coaster of your dreams… or nightmares. Build entire theme parks, bankrupt yourself with bad food pricing, and watch guests puke on your cursed loop-de-loop. DLCs? Tons - including Ghostbusters, Spooky, Vintage, and more. 🎟️ Explore the Full Kinguin Summer Sale!The Kinguin Summer Sale is way bigger than just one arcade. We’ve built a whole theme park of deals, and you’ve got an all-access wristband:HypeRide Zone: High-speed action, top AAA titles, adrenaline maxedArcade of Classics: Retro hits, pixel power, golden-age nostalgiaSun & Fun Arcade: Summer-themed sims and easygoing gamesThe Co-Op Coaster: Multiplayer fun with friendsThe Haunted House: Scary-good horror & mystery discountsWith up to -92% off, the only thing scarier than missing this is your gaming backlog!👉 Explore all rides & deals here Bonus Round: Get up to 5€ Cashback with Picodi!Yes, you heard it right - on top of sizzling discounts, you can also earn money back. With Picodi Cashback, you’ll get up to 5€ back on your Kinguin purchases. 👉 Learn more & start earning cashback HERE.
Read moreStop the presses. Pause your game. The Queen is here.We’re beyond excited to announce that Joanna Jędrzejczyk, MMA legend and hardcore gamer, is joining forces with Kinguin as our brand ambassador.She’s fierce. She’s fast. She’s fearless.She’s everything we believe a gamer, and a Kinguin community member should be.And now, she’s our Queen. 👑 Who is Joanna Jędrzejczyk? If you don’t know Joanna Jędrzejczyk, you’re about to.If you do know her - you’re probably already hyped.Joanna is:Former UFC Strawweight ChampionMulti-time Muay Thai & MMA world championOne of the most respected Polish athletes ever🎮 A true fighter who loves to compete and connectWhether she’s dominating in the octagon or online, Joanna knows what it takes to win and more importantly, how to have fun doing it.Why Joanna x Kinguin? Because the Kingdom Needs a Queen 👑You already know our campaign: Think Like a KING.It’s not just about games - it’s about how you live:Think boldMove fastStay sharpHave funBut here’s the thing: Every Kingdom needs a Queen.And Joanna Jędrzejczyk is the perfect fit. She’s a fighter, a gamer, a leader, and an icon. She embodies everything Kinguin stands for - passion, energy, and community.With Joanna on board, we’re taking Think Like a KING to the next level:👉 Think Like a KING. Fight Like a QUEEN. What’s Coming: Big Things with Joanna & KinguinThis isn’t a one-off announcement.This is the start of a royal journey for the entire Kinguin community.Here’s what to expect: Exclusive video content and behind-the-scenes fun with Joanna Gaming streams with the Queen herself Limited-edition giveaways and special promotions Candid interviews and community Q&A A fresh new face for our Think Like a KING campaign - now with serious Queen energy Ready to Rule? 🐧👑Gaming is about more than just winning. It’s about thinking big, moving fast, and having fun with your crew.With Joanna Jędrzejczyk as our new Kinguin ambassador, we’re here to remind the world:👉 Anyone can be a King or Queen in the Kingdom of Gaming.So join us. Celebrate with us. Game with us.Because the best part? The Queen’s just getting started.👉 Watch the official trailer here.
Read moreMore and more people are buying game accounts, and there are good reasons for this trend. As popular games, especially big titles, keep getting more expensive, it can be tough to buy the latest games without spending too much money. With so many great games available, many players want a cost-effective way to enjoy them. First, players tried buying CD keys, then gifts, and now many are choosing to buy accounts. This change can really help you access lots of games without spending a lot, allowing you to play more without hurting your wallet. Buying Accounts - A Smart and Affordable ChoiceLet’s be honest - gaming can get really expensive, especially with all the new games trying to take your money. That’s why more gamers are looking for cheaper options, and buying accounts is becoming a popular choice. These accounts usually cost much less than buying games at full price, giving you a great chance to get the games you want without spending too much.The way it works? Many games are bought from regions where prices are much lower, and this doesn’t stop you from playing. You can enjoy your favorite games no matter where you are. While some people might hesitate to use different accounts for certain games, many gamers are happy to purchase a separate, new account just to save money. In today’s gaming world, saving money is important, and many players are willing to give up some things, like achievements on their main accounts (like on Steam), to play their favorite games without spending a lot. Addressing Your Concerns: Account Safety and OwnershipWe understand that many people have their doubts about buying accounts, which can make them unsure about it. One common concern is that multiple people might share the same account, but that’s not how it works here. At Kinguin, we have strict rules to make sure only one person can use each account. When you buy an account from us, you become the full owner, giving you complete control. We even encourage you to make it your own by changing the email, updating the login and password, and setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.Another concern is about hacked or stolen accounts, which is understandable given the issues in gaming today. But you can feel safe with us! All the accounts we sell are brand new – they are created just for sale at Kinguin and have never been used by anyone else. You’ll have a fresh start without any problems from past users.Account bans are also a big concern for many players. However, if you follow the simple rules in the product description, your account will stay safe. Some important guidelines to remember are: don’t add your own payment methods, avoid changing the region, don’t make any purchases, and use the account only to access the game you want to play instead of treating it as your main account. This way, you can enjoy your favorite games without worrying too much about the cost.If you run into any issues with your purchased account, you can always reach out to the seller or contact our helpful customer support team. Our sellers know that accounts can be tricky, and they will try their best to fix any problems. Plus, our customer support staff is trained to help with account issues, so you can count on them to assist you quickly.Check out Game Accounts at Kinguin here. Unlock Exclusive Access: Accounts as Your Way to Hard-to-Find GamesIn the gaming world, not all games can be bought with regular digital keys. For some popular titles, the only way to get them is by buying an account. This option is great for players who want to enjoy exciting games without spending too much money. This is especially true for Early Access games on Steam, where players might be hesitant to pay full price for games that are still being developed and might not be fully finished in the near future. Buying an account allows you to play these games for a much lower cost, giving you a chance to enjoy new content. Accounts really offer a smart way to access these games and discover the future of gaming without hurting your wallet! Why Buying Accounts Might Be the Right Choice for YouAs game prices, especially for popular AAA titles, keep going up, buying accounts has become a smart and budget-friendly option for players. Accounts usually cost much less than buying games at full price, making them an affordable way to access games, including those hard-to-find titles that can only be bought this way. Early Access games on platforms like Steam are a great example, where accounts let you try new content without paying full price for games that are still being developed.We know there are concerns about buying accounts - many players worry about sharing access or that accounts might get hacked or stolen. However, these fears are not true here, as our accounts are brand new and belong only to you once you buy them. If you follow our simple usage guidelines, you can enjoy your gaming without worrying about account bans or losing access.In the end, accounts are the next step to making gaming more affordable for everyone. Just like CD keys had their doubts before becoming common, accounts are heading down a similar path. Soon, players will look back and hardly remember the worries about buying accounts, appreciating how they opened up a more accessible gaming experience. Check out Game Accounts at Kinguin here.
Read moreGamers, it’s time to refresh your library with some blooming good deals! Kinguin is bringing you Buy Like a KING, a spring-loaded sale where you can grab your favorite games, software, and more at royally low prices.🌼 What’s the deal?From now until March 23, 2025, you can save up to 74% on a massive range of digital goodies. Yes, you read that right - huge discounts up to -74% are already applied across tons of products! And because we love making deals even sweeter... 🌷 Bonus: Extra 10% Off!Use the special code SPRINGDEALS at checkout and get an extra 10% off ALL promo items! That’s right, discounts are already massive, but we’re giving you even more savings on top. Stack those deals and grab your favorites before they’re gone!🐔 Cluck & LoadCounter-Strike 2 fans, this one's for you! The Cluck & Load promo brings you crazy discount on CS2 products. Enjoy an extra 8% off with the code SPRINGCS2.Click here to learn more.🐣 Pssst… A Surprise for CS2 Players!The chickens on our Discord have been clucking about something BIG… and let’s just say, you don’t want to miss it. Could it be a huge giveaway? Maybe. Could it be your chance to score something awesome? Definitely. Hop into our X (ex Twitter) and find out! Just like spring flowers, these discounts won’t last forever. Don’t wait too long - head over to Kinguin Spring Sale now and shop like the KING you are! 👑
Read moreSpring is here! The days are getting longer, the air smells fresh, and nature is waking up. It’s the perfect time to dive into games that capture that warm, cozy, and refreshing springtime feeling. Whether you want to grow a garden, explore beautiful landscapes, or just relax with some wholesome adventures, these games will bring the magic of spring straight to your screen!Stardew Valley 🌾Nothing says spring like planting your first crops and watching them grow! In Stardew Valley, you can build the farm of your dreams, befriend adorable villagers, and take in the peaceful beauty of nature. There’s something special about waking up to birds chirping, picking fresh strawberries, and feeling the seasons change around you.A Short Hike 🏞️Spring is all about adventure, and A Short Hike captures that perfectly. You play as a little bird exploring a peaceful island full of hidden treasures, friendly animals, and stunning views. It’s a game that encourages you to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy the simple joys of wandering through nature.Animal Crossing: New Horizons 🌼If real-life spring cleaning sounds like too much work, why not do it in Animal Crossing instead? Shake off the winter blues by decorating your island, planting colorful flowers, and enjoying seasonal events like Bunny Day. With cherry blossoms drifting through the air, it’s the perfect virtual spring getaway.Unpacking 📦Spring is all about new beginnings, and Unpacking is the most relaxing way to experience that. This beautifully simple game lets you unpack boxes and organize a cozy living space while telling a touching story through objects. It’s satisfying, calming, and has that wonderful feeling of starting fresh.The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 🌿Spring is all about nature coming back to life, and there’s no better game to capture that feeling than Breath of the Wild. From rolling green hills to blooming wildflowers, this game’s open world is full of breathtaking sights that make every adventure feel like a peaceful spring morning.Disney Dreamlight Valley ✨Spring is all about color, warmth, and happiness, and that’s exactly what Disney Dreamlight Valley offers. You can garden, cook fresh meals, and decorate your village with bright, cheerful designs. Plus, who wouldn’t want to spend springtime hanging out with Disney characters?Flower 💐If you want a game that feels like spring, Flower is a must-play. You control the wind, guiding flower petals through stunning fields and landscapes, spreading beauty everywhere you go. It’s simple, peaceful, and the perfect way to relax and enjoy the season.Pikmin 4 🍃Spring is full of new life, and Pikmin 4 lets you experience the season from a whole new perspective. Lead your adorable Pikmin through lush gardens, solve puzzles, and discover the beauty of the tiny world around you. It’s cute, colorful, and bursting with spring energy!Alba: A Wildlife Adventure 🐦Spring is all about reconnecting with nature, and Alba: A Wildlife Adventure lets you do just that. You play as a young girl exploring a beautiful Mediterranean island, rescuing animals, and helping the environment. It’s wholesome, heartwarming, and filled with that fresh, hopeful energy of springtime.Cozy Grove 🌷Cozy Grove brings a charming mix of warmth and mystery, perfect for those slow spring days. As a Spirit Scout, you help friendly ghosts bring color back to their island, watching as the world around you blooms into life. It’s like taking a peaceful camping trip - full of surprises but always comforting.Let the Springtime Gaming Begin! 🌞Spring is a season of renewal, warmth, and new adventures, and these games capture that feeling perfectly. Whether you’re planting crops, exploring nature, or just soaking in the cozy vibes, there’s something here for everyone.
Read moreGamescom 2024 has just finished, and wow, what a show! This year’s event was bursting with big reveals, exciting trailers, and plenty of surprises. Whether you’re into epic RPGs, intense shooters, or quirky indie games, there was something for everyone. Let’s dive into the biggest announcements and the most buzzworthy moments from this year’s Gamescom. 🐟🐟🐟 Don’t forget to check out Kinguin’s Market with fresh deals & news from the Gamescom 2024. 🐟🐟🐟 Major Game RevealsCivilization VII: One of the big showstoppers at Gamescom was Civilization VII. The teaser was brief but got strategy fans excited, teasing deeper gameplay and bigger worlds to explore. The game is set for release on February 11, 2025, and it's already shaping up to be a must-play for fans of the series.Check out Civilization series here. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: If you’re a fan of shooters, then you were probably thrilled to see more of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Set during the Cold War era, the game promises a return to a full campaign mode, which fans have been eagerly awaiting. The release date is October 25, 2024, so get ready to gear up. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Microsoft gave us a new look at Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The short trailer was enough to remind everyone why they’re excited about this game, which is set to launch in December 2024. Get ready for another adventure with everyone's favorite archaeologist! Mafia: The Old Country: The Mafia series is making a comeback with Mafia: The Old Country. Set in the early 1900s, this prequel takes us back to the origins of the mafia. The announcement didn’t give much away, but it’s clear that this game is going to be a deep dive into the gritty world of organized crime. Starfield - Shattered Space Expansion: Bethesda didn’t disappoint, revealing the first major expansion for Starfield, titled "Shattered Space." Set to launch on September 30, 2024, this expansion will introduce new storylines and locations, expanding the already massive universe of Starfield. Marvel Rivals: Marvel Rivals was another big reveal. This free-to-play multiplayer shooter features iconic characters like Captain America and Dr. Doom. The game is set to launch on December 6, 2024, and promises to be a hit with Marvel fans. Dune: Awakening: Fans of the Dune series got a treat with a new trailer for Dune: Awakening. The game’s survival elements and harsh desert environment were front and center, showing just how challenging life on Arrakis will be. Expect to see this game in early 2025. Batman: Arkham Shadow VR: For Batman fans, the announcement of Batman: Arkham Shadow VR was a highlight. This Meta Quest 3-exclusive VR game lets players step into the boots of Batman in a whole new way, with the demo receiving positive feedback at the event. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 made waves with its first gameplay trailer, showing off the medieval world and complex story that made the original game a hit. The game is set to launch on February 11, 2025, promising more of the same challenging, realistic gameplay.Check out Kingdom Come: Deliverance here.Surprise Announcements and Fun Moments Dying Light: The Beast: Techland unveiled Dying Light: The Beast, a new standalone game in the Dying Light universe. The game stars Kyle Crane, who now wields zombie powers in a bleak, post-apocalyptic world. No release date yet, but the first look has already intrigued fans. Goat Simulator Remastered: Yep, you read that right. The original Goat Simulator is getting a remaster. Expect upgraded visuals, bug fixes, and all the original DLC in one chaotic package, set to release later this year. Borderlands 4: The event kicked off with a bang thanks to the reveal of Borderlands 4. The game is set to launch in 2025, and while details are still under wraps, the trailer alone has fans counting down the days. Masters of Albion: Peter Molyneux, the creator of Fable, surprised everyone with the announcement of Masters of Albion. This new god game has players eager to see if it can live up to Molyneux’s previous successes. Secret Level Anthology: Amazon MGM Studios and Blur Studio are teaming up for a new animated anthology called Secret Level, which dives into the world of video games. This was one of the more unexpected but exciting announcements of the event. Gamescom 2024 was packed with exciting reveals, from long-awaited sequels to surprising new titles. Whether you’re into strategy, shooters, or horror, there’s something coming your way that’s sure to grab your attention. With so many big games on the horizon, the next few years in gaming are looking pretty epic. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as these games get closer to release!
Read moreJenna Ortega is back on the set of Wednesday! The Netflix hit series will return for its second season in 2025, but the cast and crew have already heard: sound, camera, action somewhere on location in Ireland.Wednesday 2 CastCatherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán reprise their roles as Morticia and Gomez Addams, Fred Armisen will have more appearances as Uncle Fester and to complete the Addams Family we shall see Victor Dorobantu as Thing… Well, at least the “handy” part of him. Emma Myers (Enid Sinclair), Joy Sunday (Bianca Barclay) and Moosa Mostafa (Eugene) are back on the set as well and they will be joined by some new – yet well known – faces like: Thandiwe Newton, Joanna Lumley, Christopher Lloyd, Steve Buscemi, Haley Joel Osment, Billie Piper, Heather Matarazzo and Evie Templeton (whom you may know from Return to Silent Hill).Wednesday: Season 2 | Cast Reveal | NetflixThe Legend Is Back To Direct AgainLegendary director Tim Burton continues his journey with Wednesday in the series’ second season, which we believe is a guarantee that our expectations can be very high. Burton is responsible for 1989’s Batman with Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson and Kim Basinger, Batman Returns (1992), Beetlejuice (1988), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Sleepy Hollow (1999) and Alice In Wonderland (2010), among others.Wednesday’s JamAs for now it is not known what musical surprises are going to make us move our hands, feet and the rest of our bodies in Wednesday season 2, but before we find out, let’s relive that famous dancing scene from the first season, which made The Cramps hip again all over platforms such as Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, YouTube, and Apple Music.Wednesday Addams | Dance Scene | NetflixCheck out all the awesome series and movies Netflix has to offer with the best online Netflix deals only on Kinguin!
Read moreFirst and foremost he is a computer games enthusiast and streamer. Dawid Rzeźnik, better known as Dzinold, is one of Kinguin's Ambassadors and, as he describes himself, a Renaissance man. Outside virtual reality, he is a big fan of the NBA and anything connected with basketball. Of course he plays basketball himself and he even is a friend of a famous Polish player Marcin Gortat. Apart from that, Dzinold has also experience as a Fame MMA fighter.MrDzinold @ TwitchDawid was born in 1997 in the city of Tarnobrzeg in Poland. In 2020 he launched his channel on Twitch.TV and within the next two years attracted nearly 200K followers, becoming one of the most popular streamers on the platform. Two years later @MrDzinold is followed by 573K viewers, who appreciate his unique sense of humor and down-to-earth approach. His favourite games include: CS:GO, GTA 5, Fortnite, Fall Guys and FIFA – and as he plays during his Twitch streams, he is usually watched by around five thousand people at once. On Twitch.TV Dzinold is also a member of a YFL team, which features Young Multi, Merghani, Mork and Bandura.BungeeTogether with his Twitch pal Bandura, Dzinold created a YouTube channel called Bungee (@bungee5125), where they entertain their viewers with unusual and funny tasks they assign to themselves. Over 1,15 million followers seem to confirm their success also on this platform. In addition to that Dzinold has his solo YT project – @dzinishoty4934 with 83,3 thousand followers. You can also check him on Instagram (@mrdzinold), where he gives over 741 thousand fans more access to his private life.Fame MMAAs Dzinold conquered Twitch in 2022, he also made his debut on the Polish edition of Fame MMA and won the very first fight against Szymon Bessser. In May 2023 he repeated this success by defeating Robert Pasut, and thus became a rising star in Fame MMA with a promising undefeated record of 2-0.KinguinMuch as we appreciate Dzinold's achievements on Twitch, YouTube and in Fame MMA, it's his personality, sense of humor and most of all positive energy that made him and Kinguin a perfect match! And let's not forget about his love of Counter Strike, which – and that's no secret – is also close to our hearts. We are very happy he accepted our invitation to represent Kinguin as an official Ambassador and to spread positive vibes both him and us want to share with you! Find out more about Dzinold:https://anarchia.gg/https://www.tiktok.com/@anarchia_x_bungeehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087467033102
Read moreThe world is constantly evolving. The same can be said for technology, which brings new solutions every day. Sometimes better, sometimes worse, but there is no stagnation, like during the covid-19 pandemic. This development also applies to ourselves. Nowadays, we focus on convenience, and this is largely important to us. Also in terms of payments. How does today's market look like in terms of financing methods for products in the technology, gaming and lifestyle sectors? Kinguin always meets the expectations of its customers, that's why you will find here all forms of payment for the games or software you are interested in, the way you like it, the way it is convenient for you and above all, safe.Kinguin is a sales platform that offers not only the latest game titles, but also many software and digital licenses that you use every day. Since its inception in 2013, it has been a place created primarily out of passion for a wide range of software. Over time, Kinguin has changed and today we can say with full responsibility that not only will you find unbeatable prices here, but also a fully secure transaction system that you can choose according to your preferences. By observing our platform, we know what our customers choose most often when choosing a payment method.PayPal has been leading the way for many years.It can be safely said that PayPal dominates on Kinguin.net. Our platform records 55% of all transactions with it. Why is that? Certainly because of its ease of use. This method works basically like an online wallet. We can keep savings in it, funds to settle small payments, or recurring subscription fees. A huge advantage that Kinguin customers are guided by is the fact that PayPal is completely free. What's more? The user-friendly interface and intuitive design make PayPal a favorite for online payments. Its speed, simplicity, and ease of use are widely praised. Additionally, the method is very well secured and available in most countries around the world. For payments for games, licenses or work software - a quick and good solution. The only requirements that we have to meet are to reach the age of majority and, of course, to deposit money into our account in order to be able to use it without any problems.Pay With A Credit Card While we've focused on newer payment technologies, some prefer the traditional route of credit, debit, and prepaid cards via Visa and Mastercard. According to Kinguin statistics, these methods account for 18% of all transactions. The most popular cards we use all over the world are still American Express, Mastercard, and Visa. According to 2023 statistics, Visa dominates in this area. This is the card we pay with in 123 countries. What's next? American Express is in second place in this ranking. This card is the most popular in 23 countries. Of course, in the USA and also in Great Britain. The last place belongs to Mastercard. The result is really impressive, because the popularity of this card reaches 22 countries. For example, Mastercard is a monopoly in Canada and Australia.How does it look around the world?It is said that every country has its own customs, so let's take a look at what dominates Kinguin in terms of payment methods and security by region. There's no denying that the aforementioned PayPal is a monopolist in this area, but not everyone uses the same solution. Nevertheless, the biggest players using PayPal are North America, Africa, Australia and Oceania. What's next?For example, in Poland, the Blik payment method has become the most popular. It works very quickly and can be said to replace traditional bank transfers, as payments are made directly from registered phone numbers to a given bank account. All you need is a code that appears in the mobile application of a Polish bank. A local solution, but quite groundbreaking, and recognized worldwide as innovative.Not far from Poland, in Belgium, for example, Bancontact Mister Cash is used, which works very similarly to the Polish Blik. When shopping online, you select the "Bancontact" option. You enter your login details, authorize and that's it. Simple and secure, because it is fully authorized by us.One of the most popular payment methods in Germany is Klarna, as those users still prefer to connect and pay via local banks. An interesting fact is that Klarna gives consumers a lot of leeway. This payment method allows you to pay for a product up to 30 days after purchase. This means that after receiving the package, you can carefully check if everything is correct. The payment deadline can be extended. In some cases, it is also completely free.In the Netherlands, residents choose IDEAL. This is no surprise, as it works almost identically to the Belgian Mister Cash or the Polish Blik. All of these methods have their own security features in the form of authorization.Staying in Europe, let's talk about a country where tapas can be found on every street corner, which is Spain. In this country, the most popular payment method is PaySafeCard. How does it work? Essentially, you can summarize it by saying it's a prepaid card. You top up the card with a certain amount of money and can then use it for various online transactions, including on the Kinguin marketplace. It's akin to topping up a mobile phone. It works almost identically. The key thing to remember is that the card will only work for the specific prepaid amount loaded onto it. For example, if you have loaded the card with 50$, you cannot purchase something priced at 51$.Asia, on the other hand, assumes that WeChat Pay is the best option for them. Interestingly, WeChat is a messenger, but it is so developed that it also offers a payment method. This solution is based on scanning a QR code and then authorizing the payment to the seller.Traveling further around the world, we can come across a payment called PIX. It is the best-known payment method in Brazil. How does it work? It is an instant payment. Security matters are managed by the Central Bank of Brazil. It is the monetary authority that has full control over this issue. This has reduced the number of cash transactions. The offer quickly became a popular alternative for Brazilians. Interestingly, the idea itself has only been around there for a short time, since November 2020.Interesting fact: some mobile operators also offer mobile payments. For example, we can buy a game on Kinguin and the amount of the purchased title can be paid in the form of payment at the next billing period. The amount will be added to the invoice, users can enjoy very similar experience on repayment like credit cardsChoice is power. You should feel comfortable, and Kinguin ensures that!Kinguin offers you a wide range of payment methods. Our services are already used by over 18 million users, which makes us very happy! We prioritize your comfort and security. We are flexible and ready to help you choose the best option for you. You can choose from nearly 200 payment methods. Our marketplace offers a huge range of digital programs and games. How does it work? What is the distribution of codes on Kinguin? You will find all the answers in our latest article.Summary Bringing it all together, technology is developing at an incredible pace, and we need to be ready for new solutions. Trade has also changed. It has moved online, and payments for digital products leave many questions, but also many possibilities. Kinguin offers a lot of payment options that will be in line with your region, but also with your preferences. We are committed to ensuring that everyone who shops on Kinguin is satisfied and feels good. Most importantly, we do not limit you based on where you are from. We come to you so that you can enjoy a new game, software or license every day. Jump on the Kinguin platform and let's create a cool community together!
Read moreLast year we celebrated our first decade with you, and what a decade it was! Now we have another wonderful reason to celebrate – this time it is the newest milestone in our history, namely the number of Kingun's registered users reaching 18 million. And when we say OUR we mean both YOU and us. Quoting U2 and Janet Jackson: it's all because of you and it's all for you!Dear UsersFirst and foremost, we want to thank you for choosing us and staying with Kinguin's community. Your presence motivates us to work harder in order to provide you with the best offer you can find surfing the Internet ocean. Your trust means the world to us and so, we want to give back to you even more!Safe And Sound At KinguinWe are perfectly aware that the Internet is not always safe and friendly, that is why we make sure that Kinguin is your online safe haven, where you can get what you need not only at the best prices but also without worrying about the safety of the transaction. It remains one of our highest priorities, so you can simply focus on what to choose from Kinguin's 100 thousand available products and 250 thousand offers.We Are The WorldAppealing to the global community of gamers and general software users makes us very proud. 70% of you come from Europe, with Germany constituting 16% of the user base on the Old Continent. 18% of you live in the USA and Canada and 5% in South America.More StatisticsWe work our best to assure a varied offer for all age groups, and it strikes a chord mostly with users below 24 years old, who constitute 44% of Kinguin's community. Respectively, 27% of you are between 25 and 34 while the remaining 29% belong to the 35+ category. Language-wise 36% of you prefer English, 16% – German and 12% – Polish. We are also very happy and proud that the percentage of our female users is constantly growing, and girls currently constitute more than 20% of our community.So Far, So GoodOver the course of the last 11 years we have been engaged in numerous exciting projects like: esport Team Kinguin, Esports Performance Center, Kinguin Esports Lounge, Kinguin Cares, NFT marketplace in cooperation with Immutable X, Kinguin Legends tournament just to name a few. These endeavors were mostly our expression of gratitude, aimed at giving back to our community.It is good to look back and appreciate what has been accomplished, however, we are most excited about what is ahead of us! The next project that has a very special place in our hearts is called Sneak Out and it is Kinguin's first original game that we are going to release in June 2024. There is much more, so let's continue this fascinating journey to explore even more games as well as software and discover what Kinguin is going to surprise you with in the future. Cheers!
Read moreWarsaw, Poland – 04.04.2024 - Kinguin, a leading name in the esports industry, announces the closure of activities at the Kinguin Esports Performance Center (EPC) located in Warsaw. Effective May 2024, operations at the EPC will come to a halt due to the conclusion of the lease agreement with our current partner and the relocation of Kinguin's Warsaw office.Since its grand opening in 2019, the Kinguin Esports Performance Center has established itself as a leading facility in the esports community. Hosting over 300 bootcamps since inception, including 115 in 2023 alone, the center has consistently provided invaluable training opportunities to teams from across the globe.Join our CEO and Kinguin founder in a heartfelt video on YouTube: Welcoming the EliteThe EPC has proudly welcomed some of the biggest names in esports, including Natus Vincere, Imperial, FaZe Clan, Fnatic, MIBR, TSM, Complexity, MOUZ, Team Secret, Tundra Esports, OG, beastcoast, Monte, 9INE, Nigma Galaxy, B8, Betclic Apogee, NOM Esports, Acend, Falcons, Grayhound, FURIA, M80, Bad News Eagles, Nouns, Team 500, Passion UA, Into The Breach, and the Polish eFUTBOL team under the Polish Football Association.Supporting Ukrainian TalentAdditionally, it's worth noting that the Kinguin Esports Performance Center has been open free of charge for any Ukrainian pro-players and their families. In 2022, we hosted over 30 people from Ukraine, providing them with access to top-notch facilities and resources to enhance their skills and opportunities in the esports realm.A Commitment to the Future“While we are halting activities at the Warsaw center, we are committed to supporting esports not only in our region but globally. Our dedication to the growth and development of esports remains unwavering, and we are actively seeking new opportunities to continue this mission. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the players, partners, and supporters who have contributed to the success of the Kinguin Esports Performance Center in Warsaw. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to stay connected with us for future updates.” said Viktor Romaniuk, founder of Kinguin Esports Performance Center. For further inquiries or information, please contact epc@kinguin.net.Let's stay in touch.
Read moreIn times when it's easy to get hustled, everyone has probably asked themselves the question posed in the title. Gaming is an industry that's developing real quick, but unfortunately there's no shortage of scammers in this area either. We'll always repeat "Use a trusted source." Is Kinguin safe? In this text, we'll answer this question, showing how much we value the safety of players.What is Kinguin? Get to know us better!Kinguin is a global gaming hub where anyone can buy and sell! Vendors from all over the world can join Kinguin to feature their items, which you, your folks, or your buddies can buy. We say this because our services are already used by 17 million customers around the world. Kinguin works very similarly to well-known platforms like eBay or Amazon. Distributors also list their products there. You don't have to worry about the origin. Kinguin constantly verifies sellers with the well-being of gamers in mind.How do we verify distributors?We know security and trust are your top priorities. That's why every seller who wants to sling games on Kinguin has to jump through a vetting process. We dig deep – documents, company history, customer reviews. We only give the green light to sellers who pass with flying colors. We make sure our sellers in every country play by the rules, following all the regulations for game distribution and taxes. We stay on top of the latest laws and adapt to any changes to keep things smooth and secure for you.What are the keys that you buy?These are digital products that distributors purchase in bulk from publishers and developers. By doing so, they negotiate prices, which allow you to buy keys much cheaper on Kinguin. If you would like to fully understand the distribution process of game keys, read our article about it. What are people saying about us?We have a really good reputation online. Trustpilot, an open review platform, has awarded Kinguin a rating of 4.1/5, based on nearly 60,000 reviews. We are delighted that we can boast such a high level of trust! In comparison, eBay has a rating of just 1.3/5 on the same platform. Kinguin has also been featured in independent industry publications such as Citizens Journal, All Tech Buzz and SoftoCoupon. Each of these publications emphasizes that Kinguin is a safe source from which to buy games without any worries. Why isn't my Kinguin key working?Key not working? No problem! Double-check the code first. If it's still giving you trouble, our customer service team is just a click away on our website. They'll be happy to help! Do this through the official Kinguin website. We will thoroughly investigate the matter and get back to you shortly. Your code will be exchanged for a new one or we will refund the full amount you spent. We are talking about this because we want to be completely open. We have no secrets. The situation described above is actually an extremely rare case. The purchase of our products that do not work is only 0.4% of all transactions in 2022.We work with your gaming heroes!Kinguin is not just made by gamers, for gamers. We're also proud to partner with a variety of influencers who share our passion for quality service, professional customer support, and affordable games. Our gaming influencer ambassadors include Edizderbreite, GamingGuidesDE, Dzinold, Simurgh, HeatoN, Blue and Queenie. Be sure to check out the streams and social media channels of our ambassadors, as they often have discount codes for games that you can use on Kinguin!Any questions?Kinguin support is just a click away! Say hello to Milo, our helpful ChatBot, which can be found on the bottom of our website - www.kinguin.net. Whether you have a quick question or a complex problem, Milo can help. He'll either answer you directly or get you connected with the right agent to solve your issue. Don't be shy - we're here to make your Kinguin experience awesome!So is Kinguin a safe place to buy digital keys?Enter the world of Kinguin, where unforgettable gaming adventures await you! You will find games for every budget and platform, all in a safe and friendly environment. Join a community of over 17 million players and discover new dimensions of entertainment! We don't mess around with your privacy – legal protections are our middle name. Plus, glowing reviews from gaming giants and the press keep us fueled to constantly improve your experience. Encountered a problem with Kinguin? Our dedicated customer support team is your trusty companion, always ready to lend a hand. We want your gaming journey to be smooth sailing, so don't hesitate to call for backup! So the answer is Yes, Kinguin is a safe place to buy digital products. We deliver a secure marketplace with unbeatable prices, all backed by a team that champions you. So, why wait? Join the millions of gamers who've chosen Kinguin as their ultimate gaming ally!
Read moreIn the dynamic landscape of online gaming, where transactions happen at lightning speed, combating fraud can be a significant challenge. However, Kinguin, a leading digital marketplace for gamers, has emerged as a pioneer in fraud prevention, boasting one of the lowest fraud rates in the industry. We sat down with Egemen Ertop, Head of Risk & Fraud Intelligence at Kinguin, to delve into their innovative strategies and remarkable success story.Overview of Kinguin's ApproachEgemen reveals that Kinguin has undergone a transformative shift in its approach to fraud detection and risk intelligence over the past two years. Moving away from reactive, rule-based methods, they've embraced behavior-based strategies, automation, and machine learning. Every decision is data-driven, minimizing customer friction while maximizing the effectiveness of manual reviews.Strategies and TechnologiesKinguin's success is not accidental. Egemen highlights the focus on optimizing existing tools and operations without incurring additional costs. Despite a surge in industry-wide fraud, Kinguin has significantly lowered fraud rate by a staggering 87% since mid-2022, a testament to proactive measures and cutting-edge technologies. Remaining alert to changing fraud trends is crucial. Egemen emphasizes Kinguin's proactive stance and the importance of seamless communication within the team to stay one step ahead of fraudsters.Role of Data Analysis and Machine Learning in User ExperienceData analysis and machine learning are fundamental to Kinguin's fraud prevention efforts. Egemen stresses the importance of verifying hypotheses and leveraging AI to handle the bulk of traffic, allowing experts to focus on critical decision-making.Kinguin adopts a customer-centric approach, minimizing friction unless there's substantial evidence of fraudulent activity. This mindset shift, albeit challenging, has proven effective in maintaining a seamless user experience.Collaboration and CommunicationEffective collaboration with industry partners, regulatory bodies, and payment service providers is pivotal in enhancing fraud prevention practices. Egemen underscores the significance of constant communication and transparency. Kinguin has been partnering with Ravelin since 2020. However, initial optimization issues and a lack of focus on future vision hindered the tool's performance. Upon assuming leadership of the team in 2022, Egemen prioritized optimizing the tool, recognizing its potential despite underutilization. After several months of dedicated effort, significant improvements were achieved. This success underscores the collaborative effort between Kinguin and its partners, demonstrating the proactive approach taken to enhance fraud prevention measures. Additionally, Kinguin emphasizes automation, particularly in ID verification processes, to streamline customer experience and minimize friction.Educating UsersWhile Kinguin prioritizes customer awareness, Egemen acknowledges the industry-wide lack of fraud education. Despite proactive measures, there's still much ground to cover in raising awareness among customers and stakeholders. In terms of educating users about potential fraud risks and best practices for safe transactions, Kinguin takes a multifaceted approach. While actively engaging in various conferences and webinars about fraud, Egemen and his team ensure that they share valuable insights and knowledge gained from their experiences. For instance, Egemen recently participated in RavCon 24, an event organized by Ravelin in London, where he shared his expertise with industry leaders. This commitment to knowledge sharing not only enhances awareness within the gaming community but also fosters collaboration and exchange of best practices among industry stakeholders. Additionally, within the Kinguin platform, users receive timely notifications and updates regarding any fraudulent activities, empowering them to make informed decisions and stay vigilant against potential risks. Despite these efforts, there remains a recognition within Kinguin of the need for broader industry-wide education and awareness initiatives to combat fraud effectively.Overcoming Challenges and Future innovationsEgemen reflects on the cultural shift within Kinguin, emphasizing the need for adaptability and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Mindset change was pivotal in aligning the team with the company's evolving standards and expectations.Looking ahead, Kinguin aims to streamline operations through automation and AI, empowering experts to focus on strategic decision-making. Egemen envisions a future where manual interventions are minimized, maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.SummaryIn conclusion, Kinguin's journey shows a significant shift in fraud prevention, blending cutting-edge technology with a customer-centric approach. Egemen's insights shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and future aspirations of a company at the forefront of innovation in the gaming industry. As they continue to push boundaries and redefine standards, Kinguin sets a shining example for others to follow in the ongoing battle against fraud.
Read moreIn the ever-changing world of digital business, data holds the key to success. Mariusz Jagodziński, the Head of Data & Analytics at Kinguin, leads a dedicated team driving innovation through numbers. In a candid interview, Mariusz shares insights into their journey, projects, and the role of data in shaping Kinguin's future. A Journey of Growth and InnovationMariusz's journey with Kinguin started nearly three years ago, marking the inception of a visionary era in data-driven decision-making. Mariusz reflects on the evolution of Kinguin's Data & Analytics team, described as "small but deadly" for its significant impact on the company's growth.Comprising nine dedicated members with diverse expertise, including Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Business Intelligence Analysts, Web Analytics Specialists, and Conversation Designers, the team collaborates seamlessly managing data integration, transformation, and visualization. Powered by Python, SQL, JavaScript, and Looker Business Intelligence system, they navigate the landscape of internal and external data sources, weaving insights that drive Kinguin's strategic initiatives.Taking Pride in Progress: Creating Solutions that MatterWhen asked about what makes him most proud, Mariusz's focus turns to the important work of harmonization and innovation. He emphasizes the significance of making sure everyone in different departments uses the same terms and measures success in the same way. This helps Kinguin to create models that forecast the effect of particular sales strategies on critical processes, for instance cash flow, EBITDA and reserve investments. But what really excites Mariusz is building cash flow forecasting models using machine learning. These advanced models, which consider external factors, and can adapt to change, help Kinguin manage its finances with accuracy.Using Data for GrowthIn the ever-changing world of ecommerce, data and analytics are like engines driving innovation and resilience. Mariusz explains how Kinguin strategically uses advanced analytics and machine learning to gain insights and create personalized experiences for users. Whether it's cleaning up data or predicting future trends, these tools help Kinguin understand what users want and how the market is changing. A significant opportunity and challenge is the connection of user behavioral data with sales. Learning about the user journeys both within and outside of Kinguin opens opportunities for offering better, more personalized products. However, this task presents significant challenges: we’re talking about predictive models that estimate the effects of customer journey transformations on sales.Ethics and Integrity: Keeping Data SafeIn today's digital age, protecting customer data is essential. Mariusz emphasizes Kinguin's strong commitment to keeping data private and secure. With special teams focused on detecting fraud and making sure Kinguin follows the rules, the company works hard to keep customer information safe while still finding new ways to innovate.Global Presence, Local Understanding: Tailoring Experiences for All UsersKinguin operates in a global marketplace, but it understands that different regions have different preferences. Through careful research and flexible strategies, Kinguin creates experiences that resonate with users around the world, making everyone feel welcome and included.Personalized Recommendations: Making Each Experience UniqueIn a world where personalization is key, Kinguin uses data analytics to give each user a tailored experience. Whether it's recommending games or suggesting payment methods, Kinguin uses insights from data to make interactions smooth and enjoyable for every user. With the use of Google Recommendations AI Kinguin anticipates customer tastes, thus saving time by presenting products which are nearest to their interests at the initial stage. Another instance of our analytics usage is the adaptive choice and placement of payment methods in connection with customer profiles and geography. With nearly 200 payment options available at Kinguin it is crucial for the users to find the most suitable one quickly and easily. Staying Ahead of the Game: Embracing ChangeAs the gaming industry evolves, Kinguin's data and analytics team stays on top of the latest trends. The introduction of AI-based solutions should not become an automatic goal. In our analytics team, we have come to discover that sometimes traditional statistical methods serve better. The secret to being competitive lies in the balance between embracing valuable trends ahead of time and avoiding risks associated with outdated solutions. By working together across departments and embracing new technologies, Kinguin adapts to change quickly, staying competitive in the global market.Working Together for SuccessCollaboration is at the heart of Kinguin's success. Mariusz shares stories of teams from different departments coming together to find new ways to use data. The critical component of success is the unification and language—one important step towards defining common objectives in cross-team collaboration. Through teamwork and automation, Kinguin empowers its employees to use data to improve advertising, personalize products, and optimize prices, all to give users the best experience possible.In Kinguin's story, data isn't just a tool—it's a guiding light, leading the way to innovation, empowerment, and unforgettable gaming experiences. As Mariusz and his team continue to explore new possibilities, the legacy of data-driven excellence shines brighter than ever, shaping the future of gaming one insight at a time.
Read moreAs we look back on 2023, we are filled with pride and excitement for the milestones we have achieved. This year marked our 10th anniversary, and we celebrated this momentous occasion by introducing a host of innovative features and expanding our reach to millions of gamers around the world.Business GrowthKinguin's remarkable growth in 2023 was evident across all key metrics. We experienced a substantial 23% increase in total orders compared to 2022, demonstrating the heightened demand for our services and the expanding reach of our platform. Our revenue soared by an impressive 35%, reflecting the growing value we provide to gamers worldwide. Additionally, our Gross profit surged by 21%, highlighting our efficient operations and ability to generate sustainable profitability. 17 Million Registered AccountsOur commitment to providing gamers with the best possible digital goods has resulted in a remarkable growth in our user base. We reached a staggering 17 million registered accounts in 2023, solidifying our position as a leading digital marketplace for gamers. Open Banking PaymentsWe made a significant step towards a more secure and convenient payment experience by introducing Open Banking payments, with the inclusion of over 500 banks through our checkout process. This innovative technology allows users to securely share their financial information, like banking transactions and account details, with other authorised organisations through digital channels.Kinguin EPC BootcampsWe empowered aspiring esports professionals by hosting 115 bootcamps and 8 big events at our Kinguin Esports Performance Center (EPC). These intensive training sessions provided aspiring gamers with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the competitive esports landscape.Google Based Digital Transformation EventTogether with our partner, Google, we organized a technological event called Kinguin&Friends: Google Based Digital Transformation, showcasing our dedication to adopting cutting-edge technologies that enhance our operations and provide a superior user experience. Kinguin at GamescomWe made our presence felt at Gamescom, the world's largest gaming event, connecting with partners and exploring new business areas. This allowed us to deepen our connections within the gaming industry and pave the way for innovative collaborations.Kinguin Vouchers in Kolporter and CarrefourWe expanded our reach by partnering with Kolporter (Poland) and Carrefour (Romania) to offer Kinguin vouchers. This strategic move enabled us to introduce our products to a wider audience and provide gamers with more convenient ways to purchase digital goods.Sneak Out Demo and Playtest ResultsSneak Out, the first game developed by Kinguin Studios, generated immense excitement among gamers. The demo and playtest garnered very positive community feedback and Steam sessions, exceeding our expectations. With the upcoming release in 2024 we cannot wait to share this remarkable experience with the global gaming community.Guest CheckoutWe enhanced the user experience by introducing Guest Checkout, allowing users to make purchases without creating an account. This feature has streamlined the checkout process and made it more convenient for gamers to access our vast array of digital goods. Record-Breaking Year in Kinguin Esports LoungeOur Kinguin Esports Lounge experienced a record-breaking year, with a surge in attendance and number of events. The lounge has become a hub for gaming enthusiasts, providing them with a unique space to connect, compete, and experience the thrill of gaming firsthand. We concluded the year with the 10th anniversary event held in Kinguin Esports Lounge. Looking Ahead to 2024As we embark on 2024, Kinguin remains steadfast in our commitment to innovation and growth, fueled by our unwavering passion for serving gamers worldwide. We are excited to unveil a series of groundbreaking features that will transform the digital entertainment landscape and solidify our position as the most open and accessible destination for gamers globally.Our vision extends beyond mere transactions; we aspire to create an unparalleled digital entertainment playground where gamers can seamlessly access a vast array of products and services, all while prioritizing security, transparency, and inclusivity. We envision a world where gamers are empowered to express themselves freely, collaborate seamlessly, and experience the thrill of gaming in its purest form.In 2024, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation, exploring cutting-edge technologies and forging strategic partnerships that will revolutionize the gaming experience for our passionate community. Stay tuned as we unveil new and exciting features that will redefine the possibilities of digital entertainment.
Read moreA decade ago, in 2013, the gaming community witnessed the birth of an online marketplace that would revolutionise the way gamers buy and sell their favourite titles. Today, as Kinguin reaches its 10th anniversary milestone, it's time to reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us to this point. From humble beginnings to becoming a global gaming destination, Kinguin has truly etched its mark in the gaming industry. Let's take a trip down memory lane, highlighting key milestones that have shaped Kinguin's success. Along this path, we not only attained the significant milestones but also secured a multitude of smaller yet equally pivotal victories. These smaller triumphs, often overshadowed by grander events, are nonetheless crucial threads woven into the rich tapestry of our growth story. As the years unfold, our achievements persist as vital chapters in the ongoing narrative of our evolution:2013:Launch of Kinguin.netKinguin processed the first 100,000 transactions2014:Kinguin steps into esports with sponsorships of TSM and FnaticKinguin reaches 1,000,000 registered accounts The first Kinguin for charity event2015Team Kinguin (esports team) is createdKinguin introduces Dogecoin as a first crypto payment option2016Kinguin reaches 5,000,000 registered accounts5,000,000th transaction2018Kinguin reaches 7,000,000 registered accounts2019Kinguin Esports Performance Center is opened2020Kinguin Esports Lounge Gdansk is opened2021Kinguin reaches over 10,000,000 registered accountsKinguin launches Kinguin Cares - a charity project for orphanages2022Kinguin launches NFT marketplace in cooperation with Immutable XFirst Kinguin Legends esports tournament202310th anniversary of Kinguin.netKinguin introduces Open Banking paymentsKinguin reaches over 17,000,000 registered accounts Our heartfelt gratitude extends to everyone who has been an integral part of our extraordinary journey, making the celebration of our 10th anniversary a testament to collective efforts and shared achievements from both the present and bygone years. The success of this event resonates harmoniously with its intended purpose, aligning seamlessly with the objectives set forth.As we raise a collective cheer to commemorate the incredible path we've traversed together, we embrace not just the accomplishments behind us but also eagerly anticipate the next chapter that awaits. Here's to the unwritten pages of our future, where we are poised to embrace new challenges, set ambitious goals, and embark on journeys that will undoubtedly unveil many more milestones on the horizon.
Read moreKinguin, the leading digital marketplace for gamers, proudly announces a colossal milestone: 17 million registered users on the platform! This achievement is not only a testament to our thriving community but also marks a decade of redefining the gaming experience. Kinguin is celebrating its impressive 10-year anniversary!Since the beginning of 2023, Kinguin has experienced substantial growth, with over 70% of our users hailing from the diverse gaming communities of Europe. Germany leads the way, contributing a significant 16% to our ever-expanding user base. Following closely is the entirety of North America, accounting for 18%, with the United States claiming a commendable 14%. South America secures its spot as the third continent in terms of user distribution, with 5% of all Kinguin users."In the past five years, Kinguin has experienced phenomenal growth, boasting an astonishing 105% increase in registered users. I remember when back in 2019, we were celebrating 8 million users, and now reaching 17 million is something truly amazing! Our journey has been fueled by the unwavering trust and dedication of our incredible community. Thank you for being a part of this incredible ride," says Viktor Romaniuk, Founder and CEO at Kinguin.Age Breakdown:Diversity remains at the core of the Kinguin community, as evidenced by our age breakdown. Users below 24 years old constitute a whopping 44% of our platform, showcasing our broad appeal across generations. The age group of 25-34 comprises 27%, while 35-44 and 45+ make up 14% and 15%, respectively. This varied age distribution underscores Kinguin's commitment to catering to gamers of all ages and preferences.Language Preferences:Our users embody a diverse linguistic palette, and language selection on Kinguin mirrors this global diversity. English stands out as the most widely chosen language, with 36% of users opting for it. German secures the second spot with 16%, closely followed by Polish, chosen by 12% of our community. This linguistic variety enhances the accessibility and inclusivity of Kinguin for users worldwide.Gender Representation:Breaking stereotypes in the gaming world, Kinguin is pleased to note a significant increase in female users. Since the beginning of the year, 22% of our users are female, highlighting the expanding and inclusive nature of our platform. We are committed to fostering a gaming environment that welcomes and celebrates all gamers, regardless of gender.As if that's not exciting enough, this year marks the 10th anniversary of Kinguin! A decade of growth, innovation, and, most importantly, incredible gaming experiences shared with you, our dedicated community. The journey to 17 million users is a testament to the trust and support you've placed in us over the years. We're not just celebrating numbers; we're celebrating a decade of shaping the gaming landscape.Here's to a decade of gaming excellence and many more adventures to come!
Read moreIn a rapidly evolving digital marketplace, e-commerce platforms continually seek innovative ways to streamline the purchasing process and enhance the overall user experience. Kinguin, a leading online video game marketplace, recently introduced a significant feature aimed at simplifying the buying journey for its users: Guest Checkout. In this article, we will explore the motivations behind the implementation of Guest Checkout, the technological changes that accompanied it, and the impact it has had on Kinguin's platform.Kinguin's introduction of the Guest Checkout feature was driven by several key factors. The primary goal was to provide a fast and hassle-free path for users who preferred not to register but still wanted to make swift purchases with minimal effort. By offering this option, Kinguin acknowledged the diverse preferences of its users, recognizing that not everyone desires the full benefits of registered membership. Guest Checkout was also a response to market needs, aligning with the broader trends in online shopping.Technological Changes for Guest CheckoutBefore the implementation of Guest Checkout, Kinguin's system primarily served fully registered users, with authorization and transactions dependent on unique user IDs. We had to restructure our services to accommodate anonymous customers, who did not provide detailed personal data while ensuring that all functionalities remained intact, transactions were processed correctly, and fraud protection remained active.This transformation extended to various aspects of the platform, including order processing, checkout, and customer support systems.Secure Integration and User-Friendly ExperienceThe IT department at Kinguin took a meticulous approach to developing and integrating the Guest Checkout feature into the existing system. Several critical considerations included security measures, user access, email confirmation, product delivery, and fraud protection. Security was paramount, ensuring that customer data and transactions remained safeguarded throughout the process.User Engagement and Conversion RatesThe impact of Guest Checkout on users was notable, as we noticed a 10% increase across all customer acquisition metrics. Users began utilizing the functionality right from the first day, and the feature was initially enabled for selected product configurations. The gradual rollout allowed for optimization based on user feedback. Guest Checkout's adoption was smooth and resulted in increased conversion rates, as it addressed the demand from users who preferred making purchases without creating an account.Strategies for a Seamless User ExperienceTo ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience for customers using Guest Checkout, Kinguin implemented several strategies. These included minimizing the steps required for Guest Checkout, providing a secure dispatch page, and effective communication with users regarding email delivery. Furthermore, changes were made to the checkout interface to accommodate the feature without disrupting the experience for registered users. It's important to note that these strategies were not implemented in a single go but underwent several iterations since the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) phase. Rigorous Testing and Quality AssuranceKinguin invested significant effort in testing and quality assurance before launching Guest Checkout. Extensive testing included:test case development, testing on production environments, A/B tests, UI/UX evaluation, and localization testing.That all played a vital role in ensuring a flawless Guest Checkout experience. The collaboration between QA experts and developers was instrumental in addressing any identified issues.According to Robert Strzecha, Quality Assurance Team Leader: “We undertook a rigorous testing and quality assurance journey to guarantee a flawless Guest Checkout experience for our customers. With 550 carefully crafted test cases, staging environment simulations, and a final stress test in the production environment, we left no stone unturned in our pursuit of perfection. By involving our QA team early in the development process, we were able to identify and address potential issues before they could impact our users. Throughout this process, we worked closely and cooperatively with our developers on a daily basis. This collaboration was instrumental in rapidly identifying and addressing issues, resulting in the successful resolution of only 28 logged bugs.”Lessons Learned and ChallengesOne notable lesson learned during Guest Checkout implementation was the importance of considering existing users' preferences and experience. It was essential to focus on improving the experience for Guest Checkout users without disrupting that of others.Aligning with Kinguin's Long-Term StrategiesGuest Checkout aligns with Kinguin's long-term customer experience and sales growth strategies by removing barriers to purchases and providing a more open and user-centric platform. Kinguin's mission to be the most open digital entertainment playground is enhanced through this feature, ensuring a smooth and barrier-free purchase experience for all users.Future EnhancementsLooking ahead, Kinguin plans to further enhance the Guest Checkout feature by streamlining events passed between services, automating the support process, integrating AI functions for faster customer service, and continually improving the checkout page layout for a more user-friendly and intuitive experience.In conclusion, Kinguin's introduction of Guest Checkout has significantly improved the user experience, aligned with market trends, and demonstrated the platform's commitment to providing a more open and user-friendly marketplace for digital entertainment. The future holds promise as Kinguin continues to innovate and enhance the Guest Checkout feature to benefit its growing user base.
Read moreIn a remarkable milestone, the Kinguin Esports Performance Center in Warsaw marked a historic achievement in 2023 by successfully hosting 100 bootcamps, organized by domestic and foreign teams for games such as CS:GO, FIFA, Dota 2 and VALORANT. This marks a unique milestone in Kinguin EPC's history, contributing significantly to our nation's integration into the global esports community.The year 2023 has undeniably become a pivotal moment in Kinguin EPC's four-year history, emerging as Europe's largest training center for esports players. Esteemed teams from around the globe now gather on this iconic venue to hone their skills in preparation for major tournaments, including the prestigious World Championships. The undeniable charm of the center's unique character and atmosphere has earned it a reputation as one of Europe's premier destinations for organizing bootcamps.Example of a post from one of the teams:https://twitter.com/NeiL_Mcs/status/1710365450951913746 Teams such as Natus Vincere Javelins, Imperial, Complexity, MOUZ, Team Secret, Tundra Esports, OG, beastcoast, Monte, 9INE, Nigma Galaxy, B8, Betclic Apogee, Anonymo, NOM Esports, Acend, Falcons, Grayhound, FURIA, M80, Bad News Eagles, Nouns, Team 500, Passion UA, Into The Breach, and the Polish eFUTBOL team under the Polish Football Association banner were among the notable visitors in 2023.The year witnessed an extensive range of bootcamps, with a primary focus on CS:GO (58 bootcamps), FIFA (14), Dota 2 (7), VALORANT (6), and League of Legends (5). Moreover, the Kinguin EPC hosted teams from lesser-known esports titles, including Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege, Overwatch, and APEX Legends. Notably, women's esports teams in CS:GO, VALORANT, and FIFA also benefited from the center's state-of-the-art facilities.Another example, this time from Poland:https://twitter.com/PolsatGames/status/1710351943623725110 Beyond bootcamps, the Kinguin EPC played host to various events that garnered significant attention within the esports community. Events such as the Polish Halo Community Meeting, Legends Clash: Coca Cola vs. Żabka in League of Legends, and the Polish Splatoon 3 Championships underscored the venue's diverse appeal.Paweł Książek, Head of Kinguin Esports Performance Center, commented on this momentous achievement, stating, "Organizing 100 bootcamps means crossing another boundary in the functioning of Kinguin EPC. More and more teams trust us in the most important moments of their preparations for championship tournaments, coming to Warsaw even several times a year. We are glad that we have become - as the players call it - their second home."Kinguin EPC's legacy continues to thrive in the esports world, building on a rich history and cementing its position as a global esports powerhouse. As it enters its fifth year of operation, the future appears brighter than ever, promising more thrilling developments and collaborations within the ever-evolving esports landscape.
Read moreIn the fast-paced world of e-commerce, adaptation and innovation are the keys to success. The gaming industry, in particular, has seen remarkable growth in recent years, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses operating within it. To gain insights into this evolving landscape, we had the privilege of interviewing Vili Kastrev, Vice President of Sales at Kinguin, a leading player in the gaming e-commerce sector. In this article, we'll explore his professional journey, Kinguin's unique incentive structure, strategies for collaborating across departments, and the essential aspects of success in today's competitive e-commerce environment.Vili Kastrev's journey with Kinguin began on November 1, 2011, a date he now sees as symbolic in the gaming world due to the release of Skyrim. He joined VIWA Entertainment, a startup that later (2013) became Kinguin, as an Online Store Manager. With a lifelong passion for gaming, Vili understood the impatience of gamers awaiting new releases and the importance of a seamless user experience. His early days at Kinguin were marked by managing everything from designing web banners to customer support, giving him a holistic view of the business. This immersion allowed him to understand customer needs and drive the business forward effectively.Expanding InternationallyAs Kinguin's success grew, we expanded into multiple countries, and Vili took on leadership roles in various teams. Transitioning from an individual contributor to a team leader brought its own set of challenges, including selecting the right talent and fostering a supportive environment for collective success.Reflecting on his journey, Vili emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, resilience in the face of challenges, and learning from both successes and failures. He also highlights the significance of leadership in providing support and guidance while shielding the team from unnecessary stress.Evolution of the Gaming IndustryThe gaming industry has evolved significantly over the years. Game publishers' restrictions, increased competition, and changing customer preferences have presented challenges. To adapt and sustain growth, Kinguin diversified its income streams, expanded product offerings, and focused on creativity and innovation. The experience gained over the years has allowed us to make data-driven decisions and anticipate market shifts effectively.The motivation - 'All or Nothing' Challenge In 2020, Kinguin introduced an innovative monthly program linked to the company's performance in Revenue and Gross Profit. What makes this program unique is that each month, Kinguin employees collectively vote to determine the bonus level. Vili Kastrev, a key contributor to this initiative, closely monitors its monthly performance, providing ongoing motivation to all Kinguiners. In Kinguin we understand that everyone has an impact on our business, not only sales teams, that is why the bonus is company-wide. In order to motivate every single Kinguiner we implement 4 major motivational tactics:Constant Communication: We maintain constant contact and close communication. Open and transparent communication fosters a sense of belonging and keeps everyone informed about our progress, challenges, and objectives.Embracing Challenges: We encourage our team not to be afraid of failure. In fact, we believe that if you're not failing occasionally, it may indicate that you're not pushing your limits enough. Failure, though not always enjoyable, often provides the most valuable lessons in the end.Learning from Failure: We emphasize the importance of learning from failures. While celebrating successes is essential, we recognize that failures offer invaluable insights. Even if we don’t achieve a bonus in a given month, we gain knowledge that can help reach our goals in the future.Reflect and Improve: After facing a setback, we encourage our team to take a moment to reflect. We ask questions like: What happened? Was it due to a single factor or multiple factors? Where can we improve? How can we maximize the potential of this opportunity? Are there obstacles, and if we invest more, what would be the expected outcome?The 'All or Nothing' monthly bonus offers Kinguiners the chance to earn a bonus of up to 30% of their base salaries, depending on company performance. This flexible approach enables employees to set ambitious targets in alignment with market dynamics. Beyond financial incentives, Kinguin prioritizes personal and professional development, creating a comprehensive and motivating work environment that encourages Kinguiners to pursue both financial success and personal growth.Balancing Competitive Pricing and Profit Margins with Wholesale PartnersMaintaining a balance between competitive pricing and healthy profit margins when working with wholesale partners is vital. Kinguin focuses on collaboration and building trust, sometimes adjusting pricing to accommodate partners' needs. Personal connections and close relationships with partners have been instrumental in achieving growth in the wholesale segment.Vili said: In our interactions with wholesale partners, our approach is built on a foundation of collaboration and mutual support. We understand the delicate balance between offering competitive pricing and maintaining healthy profit margins for Kinguin. To achieve this equilibrium, we employ a combination of negotiation techniques and pricing strategies tailored to each unique scenario.Oversight of the 'Homepage & Deals Experience Team'Vili has recently taken a lead over the cross-functional team called 'Homepage & Deals Experience Team'. This team plays a pivotal role in driving sales and enhancing customer engagement at Kinguin. In a remarkably short period, we've assembled a diverse team of experts with specialized knowledge in areas such as sales, campaigns, marketing, PPC, SEO, automation, and email marketing. This diversity of expertise provides us with a comprehensive perspective, allowing us to arrive at the best possible solutions through collaborative discussions.Our mission is straightforward yet impactful: every day, we aim to provide customers with compelling reasons to visit Kinguin. The team accomplishes this by curating fresh deals and promotions daily, including exclusive events like Flash sales, where we consistently offer the lowest prices in the market. Our commitment is to make it unnecessary for customers to compare prices; the highlighted deal on our homepage is guaranteed to be the best available. – added Vili.Fostering Collaboration Among Sales DepartmentsCollaboration between various sales departments is fundamental to our success at Kinguin, and we've cultivated a culture of seamless cooperation and unified efforts across all teams. In today's competitive e-commerce landscape, the scale of our operations demands synchronization and coordination.The 'All or Nothing' (AON) challenge serves as a powerful symbol of this cooperation. The company bonus is shared with every member of the Kinguin team, reinforcing our collective commitment to achieving our common goals.The Single Most Important Aspect for Success in E-CommerceAccording to Vili, success hinges on several key streams, each of which plays a pivotal role:Diversification of Income Sources and Services: Businesses should prioritize diversifying their income sources and services. Relying on a single revenue stream can leave a company vulnerable to market fluctuations and changes. Exploring new product lines, entering strategic partnerships, and expanding service offerings can provide stability and resilience in a dynamic market.Customer-Centric Approach: A customer-centric approach remains indispensable. Understanding and meeting customer needs, preferences, and expectations are paramount. Businesses that prioritize exceptional customer experiences, personalized interactions, and responsive support are more likely to retain customers and build brand loyalty.Enhancing the User Experience: The user experience is a cornerstone of success in e-commerce. An intuitive and seamless online shopping experience, optimized for both desktop and mobile users, can significantly impact conversion rates and customer satisfaction. Continuously improving website usability, speed, and security is crucial.In summary, while these aspects are interconnected and collectively contribute to success, they underscore the importance of adaptability and innovation in the ever-changing e-commerce industry. Businesses that prioritize diversification, customer-centricity, and user experience are better positioned to thrive in this competitive environment.ConclusionIn the rapidly evolving world of e-commerce, Vili Kastrev's journey at Kinguin illustrates the keys to success: adaptation and innovation. The gaming industry's rapid growth presents both challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs and maintaining a holistic view of the business.Key to success always lies in people and how motivated they are. Kinguin's 'All or Nothing' monthly bonus program stands out as a unique incentive structure that combines financial rewards with personal and professional development. This multifaceted approach fosters motivation, learning from both successes and failures, and constant communication. Additionally, Kinguin's approach to balancing competitive pricing with wholesale partners highlights the importance of collaboration and trust-building in achieving growth. In this dynamic e-commerce landscape, success hinges on diversifying income sources, a customer-centric approach, and a seamless user experience. Businesses that prioritize adaptability, innovation, and customer satisfaction are poised to thrive in this competitive environment.
Read moreKinguin, a leading digital marketplace for video games, has taken a groundbreaking step to invest in the professional development of its employees (Kinguiners). The company has established a partnership with the prestigious Harvard Business School, providing funding for its employees to attend various online courses. This initiative reflects Kinguin's commitment to nurturing leadership, fostering organizational excellence, and promoting innovation within Kinguiners. Led by industry experts, these courses not only enhance the skills and knowledge of Kinguin employees but also provide them with an invaluable opportunity to expand their international network and engage in meaningful discussions with participants from around the world.With over 40 individual courses funded so far, Kinguiers have a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and expand their knowledge through the three core courses offered: Leadership PrinciplesOrganizational Leadership Design Thinking and Innovation Courses are led by two exceptional experts:Joshua D. Margolis, James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration and the Unit Head for the Organizational Behavior unit. He is also Faculty Chair of the Program for Leadership Development. His research and teaching revolve around leadership and ethics. He has taught courses on Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Leadership and Corporate Accountability, Authentic Leadership Development, and Field Immersion Experiences for Leadership Development (FIELD). Anthony Mayo, Thomas S. Murphy Senior Lecturer of Business Administration and C. Roland Christensen Distinguished Management Educator in the Organizational Behavior Unit of Harvard Business School (HBS). He currently teaches Leadership and Organizational Behavior (LEAD) and Authentic Leader Development in the MBA Program. He also serves as the course head for LEAD.Leadership Principles:The Leadership Principles course provides Kinguin leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the core principles that drive effective leadership. Participants explore their motivational drivers, emotional intelligence, and communication methods to establish a personal leadership style that resonates with their teams. The course emphasizes the importance of applying or adapting leadership styles to meet specific challenges, equipping leaders with the flexibility to navigate diverse situations. By understanding and managing the conditions that drive team performance, participants gain the tools to create an environment that fosters productivity and collaboration. Moreover, the course focuses on coaching colleagues and sharing feedback in ways that empower their development and enhance their performance. Leaders are prepared to handle stressful and demanding situations, developing resilience and composure in their decision-making. Lastly, the course emphasizes the importance of taking charge of professional development, supporting leaders as they navigate the transition from individual contributors to effective leaders within the organization. "The Leadership Principles course at Harvard Business School has been a game-changer for me. It enhanced my communication methods, adaptive leadership, and team performance. I'm excited to apply these principles and drive our team's success." - Konrad Wojcinski, Communications Director at Kinguin. Organizational LeadershipThe Organizational Leadership course focuses on equipping Kinguiners with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively lead teams within a complex organizational structure. This course helps participants identify any misalignments between the dynamics of their organization and external market conditions, ensuring that strategies and actions remain relevant and responsive to the ever-changing business landscape. Through effective communication of purpose and vision, participants learn how to inspire their organization to execute on that vision, aligning their teams and driving collective success. The course also emphasizes the importance of extending influence through other managers, enabling leaders to have a broader impact on the organization. Additionally, participants learn to elevate their leadership style to meet the distinct challenges of leading larger, more dispersed teams. They gain insights into shaping organizational culture and architecture to maximize talent, leverage diversity, and drive overall performance. Furthermore, the course equips Kinguin leaders with strategies for planning and engineering organizational change and innovation initiatives, enabling them to navigate and lead through transformative processes successfully. "The Organizational Leadership course at Harvard Business School has been transformative for me. It provided me with the tools to address market dynamics, inspire our team, shape our culture, and drive performance. I'm really looking forward to using all these invaluable learnings.”- Adam Gruda, Chief Operations Officer at KinguinDesign Thinking and InnovationThe Design Thinking and Innovation course equips Kinguiners with a fresh mindset that integrates creative problem-solving and management. Participants learn to overcome rigid thinking patterns and approach problems with a fresh perspective, fostering innovation within the organization. The course helps develop an innovation toolkit, enabling leaders to determine when and how to apply design thinking frameworks, tools, and exercises to their strategic initiatives. Through practicing empathy and applying human-centered design techniques such as ideation, prototyping, user journey mapping, and analyzing mental models, participants gain practical skills to drive innovation. Additionally, the course emphasizes the assessment of group dynamics to maximize the team's potential in developing and iterating prototypes, as well as managing the implementation of new designs. Leaders also gain an understanding of how to create an optimal environment and foster team dynamics that promote innovation and collaboration. By collaborating with peers from diverse professional backgrounds, participants put design thinking into action and leverage the collective experiences to drive innovative solutions."The Design Thinking and Innovation course at Harvard Business School revolutionized my perspective. It empowered me to break rigid thinking patterns, apply human-centered design, and maximize our team's potential for innovation. With a newfound toolkit, I'm eager to collaborate across diverse backgrounds and put design thinking into action to drive transformative solutions." - Jakub Bieganowski, VP of Products, Data & Analytics at Kinguin.Conclusions:This commitment to professional development is in line with Kinguin's core values of Care, Impact, and Passion. Kinguin ensures that these courses are available to every Kinguiner, regardless of their level or department, emphasizing equal opportunities for growth and skill enhancement. This inclusive approach cultivates a supportive and collaborative work environment, where individuals are encouraged to pursue their career aspirations and contribute their unique perspectives to the overall success of the company. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth, our commitment to professional development through these courses ignites passion and makes a true impact on our organizational culture and business outcomes.Kinguin's partnership with Harvard Business School reflects our dedication to investing in our employees' professional development. By funding over 40 individual courses, Kinguin empowers its employees to become effective leaders, drive organizational excellence, and foster innovation. The Leadership Principles, Organizational Leadership, and Design Thinking and Innovation courses provide Kinguiners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a competitive industry. As Kinguiners seize the opportunity to attend these prestigious courses, the company sets a new standard for employee development within the gaming industry.
Read moreAs of August 2nd, 2023, Viktor Romaniuk will become the new Acting CEO of Kinguin, continuing the innovative Rotating CEO concept that has guided Kinguin's success over the past two years. Two years ago at Kinguin, we embarked on an uncharted journey by implementing the concept of a Rotating CEO. A seemingly unconventional idea, this model of leadership was designed to maintain our agility, foster innovation, and drive us towards our ambitious Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) targets, while helping us to navigate the challenging landscapes that often accompany such growth.Why introduce a 6 months rotating CEO structure? Traditional leadership models, while effective, often put immense pressure on a single individual. CEOs carry the weight of the entire company's success, often leading to long work hours, high-pressure decision making, and a work-life imbalance. With the advent of technology, the expectation for CEOs to be 'always on' further contributes to stress and the risk of burnout.With our Rotating CEO approach at Kinguin, we have:Diversity of Perspective: Each rotating CEO brings unique perspectives to the table, rooted in their distinct experiences and expertise. This diversity enriches our decision-making processes and sparks innovative strategies and solutions.Shared Responsibility: Rotating the role of the CEO helps us to share the immense responsibility and stress, leading to more balanced leadership and a fresh, energized approach.Team Building: Shared leadership fosters unity and collaboration at the executive level, promoting seamless transitions and consistent strategic execution.So, has our unconventional approach been successful? Absolutely. Since the implementation of the Acting CEO model, we have almost tripled our GMV, significantly improving our processes and workflows. This success is testament to the power of perspective diversity and shared responsibility in driving growth and resilience.As we welcome Viktor Romaniuk to his new role as Acting CEO, we pause to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of our former Acting CEO Robert Kalbarczyk, whose leadership has been instrumental in our journey thus far. Viktor's appointment ensures a smooth continuation of our strategy, as we remain committed to our mission of making gaming accessible and inclusive for everyone and to our vision of becoming the world's most open digital entertainment playground.This innovative approach to leadership is one of the many ways we, at Kinguin, strive to challenge the status quo, disrupt traditional business models, and keep our sights set on the future. By openly sharing our journey, we hope to inspire other organizations to explore diverse leadership structures, promoting innovation, growth, and resilience in an ever-changing business landscape.Here’s to continued innovation, unity, and shared success in the face of exciting challenges ahead!
Read moreIn the world of digital gaming, Kinguin has established a prominent role for itself. As a leading online marketplace for gamers, we offer a diverse selection of digital offerings. Recently, the platform reached a remarkable milestone by surpassing 16 million registered users, showcasing the soaring demand for digital gaming purchases. Furthermore, this year marks Kinguin's momentous 10th anniversary, adding an extra layer of significance to our accomplishments. This article will delve into the importance of this celebration, highlight the platform's global reach, and explore some fascinating demographic statistics from the past 12 months.With a presence in over 220 countries worldwide, Kinguin has transformed the way gamers purchase and access their favorite titles. Since its inception a decade ago, the platform has grown exponentially, now serving millions of gamers across the globe. This accomplishment signifies the platform's exceptional commitment to providing excellent service and digital gaming products to a diverse and vast user base.Among the multitude of countries where Kinguin is accessible, Germany, USA, and Poland have emerged as the powerhouse trio, contributing significantly to the platform's immense success. Together, these three countries account for an impressive 42% of Kinguin's total registered users. The German gaming community's dedication, the passion of American gamers, and the enthusiasm of Polish players have helped Kinguin establish itself as a global gaming authority.Understanding the User Demographics:Kinguin's 16 million registered users come from various age groups and backgrounds, reflecting the universality of digital gaming. From the data collected in the past 12 months, it is evident that the platform appeals strongly to the younger generation.· A Dominant Youthful Presence: A whopping 43% of Kinguin's users fall within the age group of 18 to 24 years. The enthusiasm and energy of this youthful demographic have greatly contributed to the platform's dynamic growth and vibrant gaming community.· A Significant Age Bracket: The age group of 25 to 34 years constitutes 27% of Kinguin's user base. This group, slightly more experienced in the gaming world, brings a mix of expertise and curiosity, fostering a thriving environment for exchange and exploration.· Diverse Gender Representation: Recognizing the ever-increasing diversity in the gaming industry, Kinguin's user demographics showcase a noteworthy 23% of female gamers. This figure highlights the platform's commitment to inclusivity and creating a welcoming space for all gamers.Kinguin's milestone of 16 million registered users is not only a testament to the platform's global popularity but also a reflection of the exponential growth in digital gaming. With over 200,000 digital offerings available on the marketplace, gamers can explore a vast array of titles, downloadable content (DLC), in-game items, gift cards, software tools, and NFTs making it a one-stop-shop for all digital things.Celebrating a Decade of Success:This year marks Kinguin's 10th anniversary, a significant milestone that highlights a decade of dedication, innovation, and growth. Over the years, the platform has evolved into a leading force in the gaming industry, revolutionizing the way gamers access and enjoy their favorite digital content. With a decade of success behind, Kinguin looks forward to a promising future, continuing to serve its loyal community of gamers, with a mission to become the most open digital entertainment playground.Conclusion:Kinguin's achievement of reaching 16 million registered users and celebrating its 10th anniversary is a remarkable double celebration that reinforces our position as a frontrunner in the digital gaming marketplace. As the demand for digital gaming continues to surge, the platform's global reach, user-friendly interface, and extensive catalog of offerings have secured its place as a go-to destination for gamers worldwide. With the enthusiastic support of users from Germany, USA, Poland, and numerous other countries, Kinguin is poised for even greater accomplishments in the future, solidifying its position as a leader in the ever-evolving gaming industry.
Read moreWe recently had the pleasure of hosting an extraordinary event, Kinguin&Friends: Google Based Digital Transformation. This event brought together industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts to explore the exciting world of digital transformation and its collaboration with Google Cloud. In case you missed it, we've got you covered! Read on for a recap of the event and find links to the video recap and insightful interviews with our very own CTO, Marek Fila, and a Google Sales Representative, Maciej Buczkowski. The event took place on June 15, at The Warsaw Hub, which serves as the Warsaw headquarters of Google. It lasted 4 hours, offering attendees an engaging experience. There were numerous participants, including people from Google Cloud, Velo Bank, GG League, Exaco, APN promis, BatMaid, Syntech or some students from the Warsaw School of Economics and Warsaw University of Technology. We had a great opportunity to network and exchange ideas. Throughout the event, we delved into several key areas that are shaping the digital landscape. Agenda:Application Programming Interface (API): We explored the significance of APIs in enabling seamless integration and driving innovation in digital transformations.Transformation to Data Driven Organization: The event focused on the importance of leveraging data-driven strategies to optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and unlock new opportunities.Panel Discussion: A captivating panel discussion engaged participants in thought-provoking conversations on the future of the industry, highlighting the potential of data-driven approaches and API solutions.Speakers:Our esteemed lineup of speakers brought invaluable insights and expertise to the event, providing attendees with unique perspectives on digital transformation:🎤 Maciej Buczkowski - Field Sales Representative - Google Cloud🎤 Kuba Zajączkowski - Data Analyst Sales - Google Cloud🎤 Marek Fila - Chief Technology Officer - Kinguin🎤 Mariusz Jagodziński - Head of Data & Analytics - Kinguin🎤 Maciej Sztyk - Product Owner - KinguinTheir informative presentations and engaging discussions left a lasting impact, igniting enthusiasm and fueling the drive for innovation.Take a look at the insightful discussions and memorable interactions that took place during the event. Watch the video recap here: Event Video Recap Link Additionally, dive deeper into our exclusive interviews with Marek Fila, CTO at Kinguin. Gain valuable insights into our collaboration with Google Cloud, the challenges we overcame together, operational efficiency, user experience, scalability of the platform, data security, compliance, and future initiatives. Watch the interviews here: Marek Fila Interview Link The video interview with Maciej Buczkowski, Field Sales Representative at Google, explores the alignment between Google Cloud's technology and services with Kinguin's business goals and the value derived from the partnership. It also highlights how Google Cloud supports Kinguin, including the most beneficial technologies and features, as well as addressing security, compliance challenges, data privacy, and protection. Additionally, it discusses Google Cloud's plans for introducing new technologies or services that may further benefit Kinguin and other e-commerce companies.Maciej Buczkowski Interview Link Conclusion:The Kinguin&Friends: Google Based Digital Transformation event was a remarkable occasion that united industry experts, thought leaders, and technology enthusiasts. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who made this event a tremendous success, including our esteemed speakers, attendees, and our valued partner, Google.Be sure to watch the video recap to immerse yourself in the event's atmosphere and gain deeper insights from our enlightening interviews. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to drive digital transformation and innovation in the industry.Together with Google, we are embracing the future of technology, making a positive impact, and unlocking new opportunities. Join us on this transformative journey!
Read moreIn the fast-paced world of online gaming, staying ahead of the competition requires constant innovation and optimization of business processes. Kinguin, a leading global marketplace for video games, recognized the need for a more efficient and customizable tool to enhance their operations. In order to do that, Kinguin developed its own Open API solution, called Harpagon. This article explores how implementation of Open API has transformed Kinguin’s business, enabling us to expand product base, streamline operations, and achieve significant cost savings. Before the implementation of Open API, Kinguin relied on a third-party tool, SellingHub, to manage operations. However, we soon realized that this tool did not fully meet our needs and expectations. We faced limitations in terms of customization and development, which hindered our ability to adapt the tool to their specific needs. Recognizing the need for a more flexible solution, Kinguin decided to develop their own tool from scratch.The Birth of Open API (Harpagon):Kinguin's dedicated team embarked on a year-long journey to create Open API, an in-house solution designed to empower the company with full control over the operations. Open API, internally known as Harpagon, was developed to address both purchasing and sales aspects of Kinguin's business. We were able to create an innovative and scalable e-commerce service that enables Kinguin, and other e-commerce platforms that consolidate digital keys from various sources, to work together on sales and purchases.Purchasing Advancements:With the implementation of Open API, Kinguin unlocked new possibilities for expanding product base and introducing new suppliers. The enhanced tool allowed us to seamlessly integrate with the largest gaming marketplaces worldwide. As a result, Kinguin experienced a remarkable 30% increase in their product offerings within one year, providing gamers with a wider range of choices. Our current range of products encompasses an extensive selection of digital items, exceeding 200,000 offerings. These include video games, software applications, in-game content, gift cards, and NFTs (non-fungible tokens).Sales Expansion:One of the key objectives of implementing Open API was to enable Kinguin to sell on other marketplaces, in addition to our own platform. By integrating with these marketplaces, Kinguin opened up new revenue streams and expanded reach to a broader audience. This strategic move not only increased our sales potential but also strengthened the position in the highly competitive gaming market. The Open API service also acts as a marketing tool, allowing for the promotion of the Kinguin platform on external websites.Realizing Cost Savings:In addition to the flexibility and scalability offered by Open API, Kinguin achieved significant cost savings. By utilizing our own in-house tool, we eliminated the need to rely on third-party solutions. The cost savings were then redirected to further enhance our API capabilities, allowing us to match products easier and faster than ever before. For example, Kinguin managed to automate the matching of 7,000 products in just one day, a process that used to take several weeks previously.Embracing the Growth of APIs:The implementation of Open API aligns with the ever-growing trend of APIs in the technology industry. Over the past year, the API ecosystem has experienced remarkable growth, with an increasing number of practitioners and countries adopting APIs. The Postman API Platform, for instance, witnessed substantial surges in usage, including 20 million users, 38 million collections created, and a staggering 1.13 billion requests generated in the past 12 months. Kinguin's adoption of Open API positions us at the forefront of this technological movement, leveraging the power of APIs to drive innovation within the organization.The Future of Open API:Kinguin's journey with Open API is far from over. The company has ambitious plans to further develop and refine our in-house solution. We are currently focusing on the wholesale part of operations, aiming to expand our supplier network and provide even more diverse product offerings to our customers. Additionally, Kinguin is actively working on developing an analytical module within Open API, enabling us to gain valuable insights into business operations and make data-driven decisions.Conclusions:By implementing Open API, Kinguin has revolutionized operations, leaving behind the limitations of our previous third-party tool. The in-house solution has allowed us to expand our product base, integrate with major gaming marketplaces, and achieve significant cost savings. As Kinguin continues to invest in the development of Open API, our commitment to customization, efficiency, and innovation positions us as a frontrunner in the ever-evolving gaming industry.Author: IT and Product Team
Read moreLooking to join an exciting team that truly values its people? Kinguin, a vibrant organization at the heart of the gaming industry, might be your next career destination. Rooted in core values of CARE, PASSION, and IMPACT, Kinguin fosters a culture that prioritizes its people and champions diversity. In this piece, we dive into an insightful chat with Partycja Adamczyk, Head of People at Kinguin, exploring how our values come to life, what the People Team is up to, and what makes Kinguin's culture unique and engaging. If you've been looking for a fulfilling career that celebrates your individuality, read on to see why Kinguin could be your ideal fit!With over 13 years of experience in HR, Partycja Adamczyk brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as the Head of People at Kinguin. She has worked in reputable companies such as British American Tobacco (BAT), Rosti Group or Bracia Sadownicy. Partycja joined Kinguin in January 2023, driven by her strategic and organizational skills, which she demonstrated from a young age. Her experience includes leading regional roles within the internal communication area, managing compensation & benefits, driving and implementing soft HR global projects and setting up processes to optimize substantial human resources structures.Strategy of the People Team:Since Partycja's arrival, the People Team at Kinguin has made significant progress in terms of strategy and approach. The key areas of focus include creating and implementing HR strategy, consistent with Kinguin's Blueprint, building a strong and motivated People Team. That allows individual development based on talents and strengths, mapping and streamlining processes, and emphasizing automation and digitization. These efforts align with the "Career Accelerant", pillar of Kinguin's Blueprint, driving all activities in the HR department.Interpreting and implementing company values:Partycja emphasizes that the core values of Care, Passion, and Impact are firmly embedded in the People department at Kinguin. The team focuses on effective communication and knowledge sharing, fostering an environment where employees (Kinguiners) feel valued and supported. By prioritizing open dialogue, the team promotes well-being and ensures seamless implementation of changes. Taking a proactive stance, the team goes above and beyond to address business challenges while placing people at the forefront. No Kinguiner problem, whether work-related or personal, is ever ignored, reflecting the team's genuine care and commitment.Moreover, the People department actively focuses on streamlining processes through automation, enhancing efficiency, and driving organizational development. By living out the values, the People department creates a culture where Kinguiners thrive, impact is maximized, and passion fuels success. Kinguin's Unique Culture:Partycja describes Kinguin as an extraordinary organization, emphasizing dynamism, flexibility, and a strong aversion to bureaucracy. Company strives to provide space for Kinguiners to learn and create, enabling their growth and fostering pride in their work. The People Team plays a pivotal role in shaping the company culture, focusing on the values of Passion, Impact, and Care. By implementing a Code of Conduct, an anti-harassment procedure, and a competence model deeply embedded with these values, the People Team ensures that the entire organization operates ethically and cohesively. One of the examples of People’s team commitment to Kinguiners is Mental Health Support Platform implementation, where they provide 8 individual sessions with psychologists or business coaches as per employee needs. Another activity area are training sessions, such as Emotional Intelligence, Change Management or Effective Presentations & Public Speaking. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:Kinguin is dedicated to fostering a Safe, Inclusive & Diverse workplace culture. The company's Board fully supports this endeavor, and Partycja's team takes several steps to promote inclusivity and security. Firstly, they identify areas where unequal treatment may occur based on age, gender, ethnicity, or nationality. Secondly, a "Whistle Blower" tool is being implemented to provide a safe reporting mechanism for Kinguiners to address unacceptable practices. Additionally, the team emphasizes the implementation of a comprehensive "Code of Conduct" for ethical behavior toward employees, partners, and contractors. Training sessions will be provided to both current and new Kinguiners, ensuring that everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Conclusion:Under Partycja Adamczyk's leadership, Kinguin's People Team is actively fostering a Culture of Values and Inclusivity. By prioritizing effective communication, proactive problem-solving, and process improvement, the team ensures the well-being and development of Kinguiners, while aligning with Kinguin's strategic goals. Moreover, Kinguin's unique culture, marked by dynamism, flexibility, and a focus on values, sets it apart from other companies. By promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through mapping, reporting mechanisms, and training initiatives, Kinguin is actively creating a Safe, Inclusive & Diverse workplace for all Kinguiners.
Read moreWe are excited to share that Kinguin has introduced Open Banking payments, as part of the checkout process. This feature is now available for customers in multiple European countries. With the convenient Pay by bank method, customers can securely make real-time payments through their banks to purchase products from Kinguin.Open banking is a concept that allows customers to securely share their financial information, like banking transactions and account details, with other authorised organisations through digital channels. It's called "open" because it promotes the idea of sharing this information to create better financial services and experiences.Imagine you have multiple bank accounts with different banks. In a traditional scenario, you would need to log in to each bank separately to manage your accounts. However, with open banking, you can use a single platform or app to access and manage all your accounts in one place.Open banking relies on the use of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), which are like digital bridges that enable different systems to communicate and share information with each other. By using these APIs, authorised third-party providers (such as fintech companies) can securely access your financial data with your consent.This access to your financial information allows for a range of benefits. For example, you can use apps or services that help you budget, analyse your spending patterns, or find better financial products and deals. It also enables you to initiate payments directly from your bank account without needing a credit or debit card.Open banking puts you in control of your financial data. You decide which organisations can access your information and for how long. Data privacy and security are crucial aspects of open banking, with strict regulations in place to protect your information.Kinguin introduced Open Banking payment in several European countries, including Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland. Through the seamless Pay by bank method, customers can securely pay real-time via their banks to purchase products from Kinguin."Open banking payments have revolutionised the way we transact, providing seamless and secure real-time transactions through customers' trusted banks. It has transformed the payment experience, empowering users with convenience, trust, and a new level of financial control. I am very excited that Kinguin is at the forefront of applying these innovative methods, ensuring our customers have a cutting-edge payment solution that enhances their overall shopping experience." said Faheem Bakshi, Head of Payments at KinguinBelow is the list of banks available at Kinguin through the Open Banking:ITALYBNL Gruppo BNP ParibasBPER BancaBanca Intesa SanpaoloBanca Monte dei Paschi di SienaBanca SellaBanco BPMBancoPostaCredem BancaCredit AgricoleFineco BankICCREA - Gruppo BCCINGMediolanumN26PostePayRevolutUnicredit ItalyAllianz BankAlto Adige Banca S.p.A. – Sudtirol Bank AGBANCA GALILEOBanca Capasso AntonioBanca Popolare Vesuviana Società cooperativaBanca Popolare del Cassinate Società cooperativa per azioniBanca Popolare delle Provincie MolisaneBanca Popolare di Cortona - Società cooperativa per azioniBanca Popolare di Lajatico S.C.P.A.Banca Promos S.p.A.Banca Santa Giulia S.p.A.Banca di MacerataBanca di Risparmio di SaviglianoCassa Centrale BancaCassa Rurale Alta Vallagarina di Besenello, Calliano, Nomi, Volano Banca di Credito Cooperativo - Società cooperatvaCassa Rurale Rotaliana e Giovo BCC Società CooperativaCredito Etneo Banca di Credito Cooperativo - Società cooperativa a responsabilità limitataCredito Lombardo Veneto S.p.A.Guber BancaHypo Tirol Bank AGMediocredito Trentino Alto Adige SpaPrader BankSolution BankNETHERLANDSABN AMROASN BankINGKnabN26RabobankRegioBankRevolutSNSBankTriodosPORTUGALActivo BankBBVABanco Atlantico Europa, SABanco BPIBanco CTTBanco MontepioBanco Portugues de GestaoBanco de Investimento GlobalBankinterCaixa Geral de DepósitosCaixa de Credito de LeiriaCredito AgricolaEuroBicMillennium BCPN26Novo BancoRevolutSantanderLITHUANIALuminorRevolutSEBSwedbankŠiaulių bankasESTONIALHVLuminorRevolutSEBSwedbankFINLANDDanske BankNordeaOPOma SäästöpankkiPOP PankkiRevolutS-PankkiSäästöpankkiÅlandsbankenN26
Read moreGreetings Indie Game Devs,At Kinguin, we understand the unique challenges you face in creating and marketing your labor of love - your games. Today, we're delighted to announce a major initiative designed to help: The Kinguin Indie Devs Partnership Fund (KIDPF).If you’ve never heard of Kinguin, or if you’ve come across our name a few times before in the past and want to know more, we’re here to outline exactly who we are and what makes us a safe place to purchase game keys from, so you can start using our website and continue enjoying gaming at a lower cost.We're committing $1 million to be disbursed among indie game developers across the globe by the end of 2024. This fund is a tangible symbol of our support and a testament to our belief in your creativity, passion, and the quality of your games.The KIDPF aims to enhance the visibility of your games, connecting them to Kinguin's robust community of 16+ million users. Importantly, your game doesn't need to be listed on Kinguin to benefit from this grant - you can direct the boosted traffic to your game offer on any platform worldwide.Here's what we can share about KIDPF right now:Who can apply? Any indie game developer from around the world. We embrace diversity in gaming and look forward to seeing applications from all corners of the globe.What's the selection process? We'll soon reveal the criteria for selection. Rest assured, it will be a transparent and fair process, designed to maximize the impact of the fund.What's the grant size? We're still finalizing the details, but we're committed to ensuring the fund has a broad reach and makes a significant impact.How to apply? While the official application process opens on July 7th, you can express your interest today. Send an email to our Chief Gaming Officer, Michal Kaczmarek, at indie@kinguin.net, and we'll put you on the priority waiting list. What happens next? In the coming weeks, we'll be revealing more details about the application requirements, the timeline, and the accountability process. Remember, the Kinguin Indie Devs Partnership Fund is about creating partnerships that support indie game developers. We're excited to launch this initiative as part of our commitment to the indie gaming community.Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to make your mark on the gaming world. Together, we can achieve great things.Your friends,The Kinguin Team
Read moreKinguin is thrilled to announce its exciting new partnership with 9INE, the esports organization and talent management company that has been making waves in the gaming world. This collaboration stems from a shared commitment to empowering gamers and celebrating the esports community in Poland and beyond. As 9INE’s accomplishments continue to grow, including a remarkable #11 position in the ESL world ranking, the partnership with Kinguin is poised to further solidify their status as a competitive force in the world of Counter-Strike. Together, Kinguin and 9INE will create brand exposure, captivating content, and engaging offers that resonate with their passionate audience. Fredrik Belstad, CEO of 9INE, shares his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Kinguin is a great brand that offers fantastic products at discounted prices. This collaboration will allow us to connect with our audience while attracting new fans and followers. Together, we will create captivating entertainment and ensure the future success of Polish Counter-Strike.” Kinguin’s dedication to esports is evident through its decade-long involvement in the industry. Having sponsored numerous successful esports teams, events, and tournaments, Kinguin has been an integral part of the growth and development of the esports community. The company’s Esports Performance Center stands as a testament to their commitment to helping esports athletes reach their full potential. Kinguin also contributes to esports-focused charitable projects, including hosting Ukrainian esports players at the EPC and organizing boot camps and training sessions for children. Viktor Romaniuk, Founder and Chief Experience Officer at Kinguin, expresses his excitement about the partnership, saying, “Teaming up with 9INE is a natural fit for Kinguin as we share the same passion for esports. We’re eager to support 9INE’s esports journey and anticipate a fruitful partnership that will elevate both of our brands to new heights. We wish them the best of luck in the upcoming Major Championship – BLAST Paris Major 2023. We believe that their hard work and dedication will pay off, and we’re thrilled to be part of their journey towards greatness.” Kinguin and 9INE are united in their mission to create a lasting impact on the esports industry and provide exceptional experiences for their fans. This partnership is an exciting step forward in fostering a thriving esports community in Poland and beyond. About 9INE 9INE is a Esports Organization and Talent Management Company that aims to set new standards in the industry by fostering innovation and putting passion at the core of its activities. Both the team and the management have gained valuable experience in years of being active in the industry and working with the biggest brands in Esports. 9INE focus on executional excellence and its responsibility towards players, fans and sponsors has already brought it recognition in Europe. 9INE believes in a better future and is committed to create it through performance, integrity, trust and courage.
Read moreIn the modern age of technology, businesses need databases that can handle large amounts of data and adapt to changing needs. Kinguin, a leading digital marketplace for video games, found that MongoDB Atlas was the perfect solution for their dynamic environment. Kinguin's self-hosted database cluster provided a stable and easy-to-manage database solution for several years. However, as the business grew, managing the cluster became more challenging, requiring more resources and expertise. In this article, we will explore how Kinguin integrated MongoDB Atlas into their infrastructure and the benefits and challenges we experienced throughout the process.MongoDB is a highly-scalable, open-source, noSQL database which provides a flexible data-model ideal for dynamic environments like Kinguin Infrastructure. Overall, MongoDB offers a modern and flexible database solution that is designed to handle the challenges of modern applications. At Kinguin we have been using self-hosted MongoDB for a few years and it was reliable to use. But as our company got bigger, it became harder to keep the database working well and to manage all the things that used it. Some of the problems we encountered, included:Index management in self-hosted MongoDB Clusters - as it affects the performance, storage requirements, and overall efficiency of the database there are some common index management problems that can arise in self-hosted MongoDB clusters, like: Index creation and deletionIncorrect index usagePerformance issuesResource requirements and management of self-hosted MongoDBConfiguration changes We searched for a managed solution that would guarantee system safety, stability, and minimal maintenance effort, with additional support. We found MongoDB Atlas, a managed solution with professional support to help solve any issues. To prepare for a highly-scalable, geo-redundant, multi-region environment in 2023, we decided to migrate our DB clusters to MongoDB Atlas after researching several scenarios.MongoDB Atlas is a cloud-based database service provided by MongoDB. Benefits include easy scalability, robust security features, high availability with automated backups and failover, comprehensive monitoring and alerting tools, fully managed service, global coverage across major cloud providers, and flexible pricing options based on usage. It runs in the same cloud and region as our services, with real-time performance metrics and automated backups.Migrating to MongoDB Atlas was a big decision for us, but we knew it could unlock new opportunities and improve our operations. After research, we were confident it would pay off. The main benefit was access to a managed cloud database service, freeing us from server maintenance and allowing us to focus on our business.Migration OverviewAs a new service that required adoption we needed to make an initial research and carefully plan our migration strategy. This was needed in order to avoid issues such as long delays during data transfer, connection problems to new environments or any other technical issues that may arise during the migration phase.Phase 1: Planning and PreparationDefine the scope of the migration and identify the databases that need to be migrated:We had more than 50 services that were using mongo all the time and switching them off at the same time would have been quite problematic for us. That’s why we needed to research ways for doing live migration without or with minimal downtime. There are several ways available for doing the mongo cluster-to-cluster migration (Live migration using pull or push data migration techniques, mongodump or mongoexport and mongomirror). We found mongomirror to be the most flexible tool for our use case. It integrates with our pipeline, can be started on demand, and keeps the oplog sync process running for enough time to ensure a seamless migration process. That’s why we decided to use mongomirror as a tool for migrating service by service to Atlas.Keeping the data as close to the services as possible. MongoDB provides multicloud support that also runs on VPC peering. This allowed seamless communication between our microservices and mongo clusters with less than 10ms latency.VPC peering along with the speed benefits, provided us with the security needed for running our clusters on private networks with fully governed access.After transferring our non-production data and fully testing our migration patterns we defined a timeline and schedule for the migration process.Reference Architecture of our network Phase 2: Migration ProcessMigrating from a self-hosted MongoDB cluster to MongoDB Atlas using the mongomirror tool can be a complex process, and there are several potential issues that can arise. Here are some common problems that we encountered during the migration process:Connectivity issues: The mongomirror tool relies on a stable network connection between the source and destination clusters. If there are network issues or connectivity problems, it can result in data loss or corruption. It is important to ensure that the network connection is stable and to monitor the progress of the migration closely.To solve this problem we were relying on the underlying cloud infrastructure, which provided us with the necessary reliability to complete the transfer with no connectivity issues.Resource utilization: The mongomirror tool can be resource-intensive, particularly during the initial sync process. However with careful planning and testing we were able to find the necessary balance needed for the amount of resources to allocate for our mongomirror jobs.Security concerns: Migrating data from a self-hosted MongoDB cluster to MongoDB Atlas involves transferring sensitive data over the internet. It is important to ensure that the data is encrypted during transit and that the destination cluster has adequate security measures in place to protect the data. Fortunately we had our private VPC peering connection, so the risk factor here was non-existent.Index creation and build on target clusters: This was one of the issues that we have faced during our mongo migration pipeline. The fact that bigger collections with large indices required almost the same amount of time and sometimes longer than the actual db copy. When the mongomirror performs the sync, it is done in a hybrid manner whereas an individual index build submitted follows the specific MongoDB version.MongoDB 4.2 index builds obtain an exclusive lock on only the collection being indexed during the start and end of the build process to protect metadata changes. The rest of the build process uses the yielding behavior of background index builds to maximize read-write access to the collection during the build. 4.2 index builds still produce efficient index data structures despite the more permissive locking behavior.With some careful planning and maintenance window we were actually able to mitigate that risk and index creation didn’t cause issues during the migration process. Phase 3: Testing and ValidationAfter initial migration to each service we were able to test how connection works, thanks to our approach and automated tooling that we built were able to select, transfer and in case of an issue rollback to previous cluster every single database.Post-migrationAfter migration we were able to fully benefit for all features that Mongo Atlas provides for better overview of our service usage:Performance Advisor:Profiler:Real time performance monitor:After transfer we were able to see graphs like this one showing the boost of performance power:ConclusionsThe migration process required careful planning, preparation, and execution to ensure a successful transition to the new infrastructure. By following this plan and leveraging the available resources and support, we minimized the downtime and disruption to our operations and ensured the availability and performance of our applications during the migration process and now we are happy Atlas users.Author: Infrastructure Team
Read moreWhether you’re new to the world of gaming, or a veteran of the trade, everyone is always on the lookout to find the cheapest solution to getting their hands on their favourite gaming goods. Attention, sellers! Are you tired of juggling multiple sources to stay up-to-date with product prices? Struggling to outpace your competitors? We have exciting news for you! Our team at Kinguin has developed a new offer tab designed to streamline your sales, making your life easier and more efficient.Current lowest price visibility: Easily see the most competitive price for each product, enabling informed pricing decisions.Improved sales data presentation: Grouped data provides a clearer picture of your performance, facilitating better decision-making.One-click wholesale offer access: Quickly view and purchase the best available wholesale offers for your products.Integrated restock button: Conveniently restock offers directly from the offer tab, saving time and streamlining the process.Mass key download: Download all keys related to wholesale purchases in one file, directly from the success page, with an option to add them automatically to the offer. Take a look at our latest video showcasing the amazing new functionalities of our "Offer" tab:https://blog.kinguin.net/new-offer-tab-streamlining-your-sales With this revamped design, you'll gain deeper insights into your product offerings. You can now see the current lowest price for any product, empowering you to make informed decisions regarding your pricing strategy. This feature will help you stay competitive and boost your chances of making a sale.The new offer tab also enhances the visibility of your sales data. By grouping this information, we provide a clearer picture of your performance, enabling you to make smarter decisions about restocking and pricing. One of the most significant features of the updated offer tab is the integrated restock button. You can now restock your offers directly from the offer tab, eliminating the need to navigate through other pages or menus. In just one click, you'll be able to view the best available wholesale offer for your product, and easily purchase the necessary stock to restock your current offer, keeping it current and competitive.Additionally, we're thrilled to announce that sellers can now download all keys related to their wholesale purchases in a single, mass download straight from the success page. What is even more important is that each seller can now add stock directly from the Inventory tab. These added convenience saves time and effort, allowing you to access your purchase information quickly and efficiently.
Read moreToday marks one year since Russia's armed attack on Ukraine, and it is a somber reminder that the war is not over yet. It is a situation that cannot be forgotten. As a year ago, so today - the support is very much needed. On this occasion, we want to highlight Kinguiners, common people, who stood up and simply started helping. We look up to them and want to encourage all who can to follow their footsteps. Viktor Romaniuk Wanli, the founder of Kinguin, motivated everyone and initiated the process of helping Ukraine by contacting NAVI, an esport organization from Ukraine, inviting them to stay in Poland. He also posted on his LinkedIn and initiated an open-door policy to utilize Kinguin physical locations to help people from Ukraine. He was openly engaged in discussions and openly advocated support for Ukraine, including an interview with Esports Insider.Paweł Książek, Paweł Żukowski, Anna Mączko and the entire EPC crew support the Ukrainian esport community and their families. Kinguin Esports Performance Center in Warsaw is open free of charge for any Ukrainian pro-players and their families. Up to date, we have hosted over 30 people, and some of them are still with us, as long as their situation requires. Paweł Książek was also engaged in interviews about Ukrainian support with The Washington Post, Le Monde, or Onet.Kuba Lang, Michał Kaczmarek, and Antek Rybiński from the OGDM ‘From the Border to the Flat’ foundation are working closely with Kinguin to help Ukrainians. Kinguin offered OGDM headquarters for the foundation as well as 24/7 coordination centers to match the request between drivers and border crossings. The foundation has so far transported over 77,000 Ukrainian people, secured over 3,000 accommodations all over Poland, and linked 12,000 people offering their flats. OGDM together with Kinguin organized charity donations and concerts supporting Ukraine.Anna Palowicz worked with the Foundation for Transplantation by organizing the purchase and transport of medicines for the Ukrainian hospital in Krzywy Rog and the hospital in Lviv. She also supported the city of Przemyśl in contacting brands that delivered necessities, such as water and coffee, to the border with Ukraine. Thanks to Kinguin's support, they were able to help with transport and provide shelter.Mariusz Jagodziński was helping territorial defense forces in Sumy, by organizing medical supplies and elements of winter equipment and clothing. Mariusz was able to obtain over 100 different pieces of specialist equipment.Anna Kalota, Natalia Szepelowska, and Przemysław Padrak were engaged in helping Ukrainian families in Poznań, securing accommodation for them in the Kinguin office for several months.Moreover, the majority of Kinguiners made individual donations to different charities supporting Ukraine. Kinguin employees were also hosting Ukrainian refugees at their homes and have taken to helping them with critical errands like getting a local SIM card and renting a car.Despite all the above-mentioned initiatives, support is still needed for those affected by the ongoing conflict. The war in Ukraine is far from over, and the Ukrainian people still require support. Kinguin wants to highlight some notable organizations that are still supporting Ukrainian people, including: OGDM donation, The Ukrainian Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Voices of Children and Future for Ukraine.
Read moreKinguin is a pioneering global gaming marketplace, which recently surpassed 15 million registered customers with over 150,000 digital product offers on the platform. Kinguin has experienced immense growth in the last few years, doubling or even tripling its key business indicators. We sat down with Adam Gruda, newly named Partner and Chief Operations Officer at Kinguin, to discuss the evolution of the company as well as its future directions. Adam has worked for Kinguin from the very beginning, almost 13 years now. He has gained valuable experience and expertise in various aspects of the company over the years to be able to take on more complex and strategic projects, as well as to take on leadership roles, to effectively manage teams, develop and execute strategies and drive growth. He is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company, developing and implementing strategies that help Kinguin achieve its short and long term goals. To be more specific:Ensuring that the company's overall strategic vision is implemented effectively, with a specific focus on revenue aspects.Leading the development and implementation of operational plans and strategies to achieve the company's financial targets and revenue growth goals.Coordinating with the executive team to identify new business opportunities, develop strategies for pursuing those opportunities, and monitor progress toward achieving them.Overseeing the daily operations of the company to ensure efficient and effective performance across all departments.Collaborating with the CEO and other senior leaders to establish key performance indicators, track progress, and report on the company's overall performance.The evolution of KinguinThe last couple of years were particularly successful for the company and Kinguin has made a major leap to become one of the leading ecommerce businesses worldwide. Kinguin has undergone significant changes in its business model, driven by evolving fast-paced market conditions and changing customer demands. Kinguin has taken several steps to expand its business and improve customer experience. These include diversifying its product offerings, which now extend beyond video games to include software, virtual reality gear, NFTs, and other digital products. Over the past decade, Kinguin has established 150,000 offers and 60,000 unique products. Another significant move has been the expansion of sales channels, including partnerships with other online marketplaces. The API has played a key role in driving this growth. Additionally, Kinguin has prioritized providing an exceptional customer experience, with improvements to its website and customer support services. The future of KinguinAs the new COO of Kinguin, Adam and the Board, identified five pillars that will shape the company's growth and set Kinguin apart as a leading digital entertainment platform.The first pillar is Kinguin API, which we believe is the world's most open. We designed it to provide maximum transparency and accessibility to products and services, empowering developers, merchants, and users alike to unlock the full potential of our platform.Our second pillar is our foray into games publishing. Our strategy to expand its presence in the gaming development space is multifaceted, and it includes a range of initiatives that are designed to capture a larger share of the market. By adopting a vertical integration approach, creating a launchpad, developing its own games, and creating great content pieces, Kinguin hopes to appeal to a wide range of audiences and cement its position as a major player in the gaming industry. It is worth highlighting our recent accomplishment with the Roblox gaming experience. Our team has developed a game within the Roblox ecosystem that provides fun and interactive entertainment for thousands of users.Our third pillar is our commitment to being the world's most open employer. We believe in creating an inclusive and supportive work environment that values diversity and encourages open communication and collaboration among Kinguiners.Our fourth pillar is our focus on providing the best possible user experience. We believe in simplicity, consistency, and functionality, and we strive to offer a seamless experience for users on our platform. We plan to continue investing in innovation, particularly in AI and machine learning, to improve internal operations and customer experience. Finally, our fifth pillar is our commitment to being the best platform for merchants and customers. We aim to provide a great onboarding experience for both wholesale and retail partners, advanced stats and insights, and seamless management of accounts and inventory anytime and anywhere. As part of the company's strategy, product diversification and an attractive product portfolio are key elements. The goal is to expand into new product categories such as streaming services (e.g. Netflix or Disney Plus), clothing (e.g. Zalando), transportation (e.g. Uber), cloud gaming (via Nware gift cards), telecommunications (e.g. Vodafone or T-Mobile top-ups), in-game economy (e.g. Minecraft, Roblox, CS:GO, Fortnite) or e-money vouchers (e.g. Neosurf, JetonCash, AstroPay). This wide range of products will allow for growth and make Kinguin more attractive to different customer segments.In summary, our five pillars reflect Kinguin's commitment to providing the best services to our users, merchants, and Kinguiners. Kinguin's ambition is to become the most open digital playground while also remaining adaptable and innovative in the face of changing market dynamics. By remaining focused on customer needs and preferences and continuing to evolve its business model and offerings, Kinguin is well positioned to achieve its ambitious goals and continue to be a major player in the market of digital goods.
Read moreWhether you’re new to the world of gaming, or a veteran of the trade, everyone is always on the lookout to find the cheapest solution to getting their hands on their favourite gaming goods.While buying products from the high street hasn’t completely died off, many now turn to the internet to buy their products and digitally savvy gamers are no different. That’s where Kinguin steps in. Kinguin is an online platform that allows new and old gamers alike to purchase everything they need to enjoy gaming safely. If you’ve never heard of Kinguin, or if you’ve come across our name a few times before in the past and want to know more, we’re here to outline exactly who we are and what makes us a safe place to purchase game keys from, so you can start using our website and continue enjoying gaming at a lower cost. What Is Kinguin?To understand whether Kinguin is safe, first there needs to be an understanding of what Kinguin is and what it isn’t. Kinguin is an online, digital marketplace. We allow distributors from all over the globe, from Poland, to the U.S., and all the way to Australia, to offer their products to our 15 million Kinguin customers.People may view us in a similar way to how they view the likes of online platforms like eBay and Amazon. These trusted platforms also use distributors to offer their stock, without the need for those businesses to pay an extortionate amount for designing and maintaining a website.Kinguin is not, however, a reseller or seller itself. Are these distributors legit? Any distributor that wants to sell products through Kinguin needs to go through our multi-level verification process. Provided they meet our criteria, we allow them to sell their products through the Kinguin website. These distributors pay taxes and comply with relevant laws on the selling and distribution of goods in the countries they operate. Digital products that are sold at Kinguin are already bought from developers or publishers by their wholesale and retail partners, which then distribute them through their own networks. They buy it in bulk and that way they can negotiate prices. You can read more about the distribution process of game keys in our previous article. What If I purchase a product from a registered distributor on Kinguin and it doesn’t work? Your code will be replaced or you get your money back. Simply contact our customer support via the Kinguin website and we’ll investigate the issue for you. We’ll also look more closely at why the product doesn’t work and if necessary, we’ll ban the distributor from using the Kinguin website to sell its product.It’s also worth pointing out that it’s very uncommon for products purchased via Kinguin not to work, with only 0.4% of total purchases on Kinguin in 2022 being reported with issues. All of these products were either replaced or refunded. What do others say about Kinguin?Trustpilot.com, an open review platform that allows users to review their experience of any website on the internet, gives Kinguin a 4.4 / 5 trust rating, with over 44,000 reviews in total. To put that into perspective, eBay currently has a Trustpilot rating of 1.4 / 5 while Amazon has a Trustpilot rating of 1.7 / 5. Independent reviews of Kinguin have also been carried out by media outlets, including Citizens Journal, All Tech Buzz or SoftoCoupon, which described Kinguin as: “a safe website to buy from”.So, in conclusion, is Kinguin legit and a safe site? Kinguin is definitely a trusted platform and legitimate website that many customers use to purchase their products cheaply. Company operates on the market for over 10 years and has over 15 million global registered users. Almost all those that use Kinguin have a positive experience and do so without any issues whatsoever. For those that do run into issues, Kinguin offers them the best-in-class customer service offering to investigate the issue and refund them as quickly as possible.
Read moreIn 2023, companies are undergoing major structural changes as they navigate the new business environment. The pandemic has forced organizations to rethink their traditional hierarchical structures and find more agile and flexible ways of operating. As a result, many companies are flattening their organizational charts and empowering their employees to make decisions and drive innovation. The shift towards remote work has also made it possible for companies to tap into a global talent pool, leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Additionally, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of cross-functional collaboration, leading to the creation of more cross-functional teams and breaking down departmental silos. These structural changes are aimed at improving efficiency, promoting innovation, and better serving the needs of customers.The start of 2023 has been no different for Kinguin with the arrival of numerous new team members and important changes to departmental operations. For an organization like Kinguin, having nearly 300 employees, such changes occur every few years. We spoke to Viktor, our Founder about this new structure and overall direction of the company in 2023. Viktor Romaniuk Wanli, Founder of Kinguin said:I am thrilled to announce that Robert Kalbarczyk will continue to serve as our CEO until the end of July 2023 and I am also proud to welcome Adam Gruda as our new Chief Operations Officer (COO). This marks a new chapter in our company’s growth, and we are confident that our renewed leadership will drive us towards continued success.At Kinguin, our mission has always been to make gaming accessible and inclusive for everyone. Our vision is to become the world's most open digital entertainment playground, and we are proud to be leading the charge in making that vision a reality. Our values of impact, care, and passion are at the heart of everything we do, and I am proud to say that our team embodies these values every day.With Robert and Adam at the helm, I am confident that we will continue to execute our mission with passion, care and impact. Their dedication to our company and our customers is unparalleled, and I have no doubt that their leadership will be instrumental in our continued success.Starting February 1st, we are also introducing a new company structure, as outlined in the attached chart. This new structure will allow us to more effectively execute our mission and continue to grow as a company.In closing, I want to express my deep gratitude for all of our Kinguiners and for the tremendous impact you have had on our company. I am confident that, together, we will continue to make gaming accessible and inclusive for everyone, and I look forward to what the future holds for Kinguin.Best regards,Viktor Romaniuk Wanli, Founder of Kinguin
Read moreKinguin has evolved, diversified and adapted to the ever changing economy as it celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2023. Business evolution is an ever changing challenge, and the company has managed to master its methods in keeping up with the current times. Łukasz Piechowski, Chief Business Support Officer, has worked alongside Kinguin for the last few years, and has led the company into a new era of growth. His team are the masterminds behind some of Kinguin’s flagship projects that have led to tremendous growth. We spoke to Łukasz about how his team has had to adapt over the last few years, potential growth points and how he goes about his role and responsibilities at Kinguin. Łukasz started working with Kinguin almost 5 years ago, and has seen the company grow and change many times over his career. Originally, he hadn’t worked in the gaming and ecommerce industry, but with a passion of playing games and being a completionist. He grew a habit of finishing things through to the end, no matter how difficult and complex they are. He began his cooperation with Kinguin working on the Kinguin Esports Lounge (KEL), where he oversaw the development, design, finance and all other logistical aspects of the project. The KEL is one of Kinguin’s oldest ventures, and has been self-sufficient since its inception - including during the global pandemic. Over the last few years, the business support team at Kinguin has grown into a bigger organism inside the organisation. The goal is to make Kinguin grow quickly, sustainably and in new directions. The team is experienced in all tools of the trade, from vendor management and compliance, to the implementation of payment solutions.These areas are of great importance to Kinguin, with the payments team, one of the fastest growing units, plays an important part in Kinguin’s roadmap to deliver customers and merchants more tailored solutions. If Kinguin has introduced a solution, Łukasz’s teams have most likely been involved. In a similar fashion to bamboo, each project has to grow from the ground up, ensuring the foundation is as secure as possible being key for fast growth.Growth hacking is a term defining the rapid growth of a company, that isn’t taken lightly at Kinguin, and can be seen in full force when looking at the organisation’s growth. Engineering creativity, data and the required technology and tools to each project ensure a tailored solution to each and every challenge. A great example of this is the transformation of the business intelligence department, now renamed to Data and Analytics. The first step was creating a data warehouse, and enforcing company-wide infrastructure that would be able to manage a high load of data simultaneously. From this, tools were then utilised to ensure Kinguin could extract and analyse the integrated data flow and gain significant learnings to increase growth. Looking deeper into this growth, a new tool that has emerged and taken the world by force, is AI. It makes data analysis faster, more efficient, and grants Kinguin to produce accurate and detailed business forecasts. Implementing this, will also assist the company in being more agile and efficient. When the global pandemic gripped every industry worldwide a few years ago, Kinguin had to adapt quickly. Having this newfound corporate agility, the company was able to face the times head on. This flexibility allowed Kinguin to expand into a variety of internal improvements, including new training programs and expanded wellbeing schemes for employees. These had lasting effects on the overall company culture and workplace happiness whilst also succeeding in overcoming the business challenge.Kinguin identifies areas of improvement and actions them with a tailor made solution. The business support team's goal when approaching one of these areas is to, rather than find the locked door, look for a window. When this window of opportunity doesn’t exist, one needs to be created through innovation. These gaps are found through data analysis, compliance analysing framework of legal and operational compliance across all the regions we operate in, that has not only made them easier to locate, but easier to take action against as well. Kinguin is already a visionary leader, but to take that next step, the company needs to face each and every challenge with the right attitude and the right people. Shifting away from looking over project management, the company is focused on continuous growth and through that, an expansion of its workforce is required. It’s an ongoing process of implementing these changes, and with this wide array of people tackling this challenge, the variety of skills and experience in the team help make it a seamless process. There is a massive demand for change management solutions within the business that are required due to the company’s rapid growth, and Kinguin aims to meet this demand through a capable and burgeoning team of experienced project managers.10 years ago, Kinguin took the first step into the unknown and kick-started the industry. The fact that the company is a pioneer in the field, shows that these transformations have lasting effects not only on the business, but for our customers as well. The gaming industry is expanding rapidly, and innovations are cropping up constantly, meaning Kinguin need to keep digging and navigating into uncharted territory to stay ahead. Innovation is key, and with Kinguin’s ingenuity and goal driven mindset, we are focused on the future.
Read moreKinguin now offers over 150,000 products from games, in-game content, gift cards, software, to NFTsElden Ring, FIFA 23 and God of War tops the list of games sold in 2022Over the last 12 months, there have been 9.2m transactions on Kinguin’s marketplace, a 168% increase in the last 2 years69.4% of registered accounts belong to 18-34-year-oldsKinguin, the world’s first digital marketplace has today revealed its latest milestone of serving 15 million registered users on the platform worldwide, an increase of 50% since the end of 2020. The milestone is a reflection of the demand for players to purchase digitally and is signified by growth to over 150,000 digital offerings on the Kinguin digital and NFT marketplace.To celebrate the announcement of 15 million registered users, Kinguin has revealed insights into user preferences including:The top selling games of 2022 on the platform in order, led by; Elden Ring, FIFA 23, God of War, Ready or Not and Total War Warhammer III Location of users include 21.5% in Germany and 15.9% from USA with over 60% of total users from EuropeThe largest age group on the platform are 18-24 with registered users in this category equalling 42.4%, 27.0% between 25-34, 14.9% between 35-44 and 15.7% 45 and over.Data analytics from Newzoo via GI.biz for 2022 has revealed that total market revenues of digital games hit 94.2% compared to physical boxed products at 5.8% highlighting the importance of digital marketplaces in the gaming industry.Kinguin continues its exponential growth having launched its NFT marketplace in May 2022 and launched the first ever esports tournament bringing back legendary pro-players, Kinguin Legends. Kinguin also launched Kinguin Cares to support esports players and their families affected by the war in Ukraine, offering accommodation to Ukrainians and their families free of charge at the Kinguin Esports Performance Center (EPC) in Warsaw. To date, it has hosted almost 30 people, and its doors are still open to Ukrainian people in need of support.Robert Kalbarczyk, Chief Executive Officer at Kinguin said: “I would like to thank all our users around the world for their constant trust in Kinguin. 15 million milestone is amazing, especially with the 50% increase in users globally since 2021. That proves that our business is going in the right direction. Our vision is to be the world’s most open digital entertainment playground where everybody plays, and we truly mean it."For more information, please visit www.kinguin.net
Read moreIn 2022, 66 bootcamps and 20 special events were held at the Kinguin Esports Performance Center in Warsaw - the state-of-the-art esports training center for players and teams in Europe. Kinguin EPC is where the best teams in the world train to prepare for tournaments across key esports titles including Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, Dota 2, FIFA, Rocket League, Fortnite, VALORANT and Rainbow Six: Siege. 2022 in numbers:- Number of bootcamps: 66- Number of events: 20- Longest stays: Misfits Premier - 116 days, X7 - 88 days- The largest bootcamp: Seven Goats - 25 people- Guests who visited EPC the most: Anonymo (6 bootcamps), Imperial (5), NAVI Javelins (4)2022 was a thrilling year at the Kinguin Esports Performance Center being used by leading teams including;;Tundra Esports players, who in the following months won The Dota 2 International and FaZe Clan - winners of Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2022. The center was also visited by teams such as Imperial, Renegades, Team Falcons, MOUZ, AGO, OG, TYLOO, MIBR, NAVI, SKADE, Acend, Wisła Kraków, Anonymo, Excel, Exeed, TSM and Pasha Gaming Camp.Head of Kinguin Esports Performance Center, Paweł Książek stated: “The Kinguin Esports Performance Center was created with the best teams in the world in mind and last year showed the importance of the EPC to esports players and teams. It is an honor to host some of the biggest esports teams and legends including the winners of the most prestigious tournaments.”Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Kinguin has been actively helping people affected by the conflict. The Kinguin Esports Performance Center is open to all Ukrainian esports players and their families free of charge. To date, it has hosted almost 30 people, and its doors are still open to Ukrainian people in need of support.Kinguin EPC hosted 20 industry events in 2022 including;. SkillFactor, a talent show where young esports players competed against each other in CS:GO, Deluxe Ski Jump 2 tournament powered by Rockstar Energy Drinks, Esports Skills Camp, modern gaming colonies and practical classes in esports for the University of Physical Culture and Tourism in Pruszków. Other key events include; Intel Overclocking Masters, journalistic competitions in spinning processors, as well as broadcasts from Kinguin Legends, the world's first tournament featuring the biggest stars in the history of the CS:GO scene.
Read moreConsidering Kinguin is one of the largest online gaming marketplaces in the world, there is one key factor that has to be perfect - and that is the customer experience. Giovanni Varriale, Chief Product Officer, and his team have a key role in making sure that not only existing users are comfortable on the platform, but also that new customers are welcomed to a site that they can trust. We sat down with Giovanni and discussed the role, the importance of user experience and some key talking points around this topic - with the goal of getting an insight into how Kinguin adapts and evolves to meet the needs of the consumer. Giovanni is one of the most experienced Kinguiners in terms of his career at the organisation, having worked for Kinguin for 9 years. As the former Chief Marketing Officer and with experience in esports and gaming, he is able to call upon a wealth of knowledge that can help him make tough and informed decisions that benefit the user. His current role as Chief Product Officer entails overseeing all the products that Kinguin offers. This role is a mix of business, as well as development needs and requires multiple teams within the department to carry out the tasks effectively. Kinguin’s product team focuses on two main users when it comes to user experience, the B2C buyer, and the B2B seller. These two users have different needs and require different resources. One of the biggest factors when it comes to this work is that the needs are always bigger than the available resources. The overall platform framework for example, is inherently different for each user; with different features, design choices and integrations. Giovanni and his team need to navigate these needs, and find a way to solve the problem effectively in a way which benefits the target user.These issues must be overcome with innovation, as in the ecommerce industry, the user experience is key and is the main commodity. It’s the reason why people purchase and sell goods on their preferred platform. Do you require an account? Is the purchasing/selling process easy to understand? Are the goods/services easy to find on the website? Where do you place the login prompt during the purchasing process? All of these questions must be researched extensively to ensure that the approach that they take is the most effective one. To gather the information they need to make informed decisions, Giovanni and his team use analytical tools such as heatmaps with Hotjar, surveying, Google Recommendation AI and other CRM tools such as Synerise to track user behaviour and any trends on the platform. These external solutions allow Kinguin to identify key areas that can be improved upon, and make decisions on how to make it more efficient for the user. This efficiency is built through a well designed UI/UX - and Kinguin wants to make it so that users don’t have to think twice when it comes to using their platform. The more natural it feels to use the platform, the higher the customer retention. One of the tailored approaches and improvements the product team made is the master product page. It allows B2C users to easily find all content and editions of a title in one, easy-to-navigate webpage. For some titles, which have 20+ additional content packages, this feature is key for buyers, enabling them to find exactly what they want with ease. To implement this, the team not only had to research the UI and what the best way to present the goods was, but also how to adjust the back-end database to ensure that the filters and search function would operate correctly, whilst the system accurately locates and lists the correct products.Looking to the future, the world of potential products and the experience surrounding them at Kinguin seems to be expansive. Whether that be an increase in the ease of access for sellers to use Kinguin’s marketplace to promote and distribute their goods, or the introduction of Web 3.0, NFTs and Cryptocurrency. Giovanni and his team will be crafting a tailored approach to ensuring that the users are happy to use the platform.
Read moreDuring Black Friday Weekend we had an in-store activation with our partner CCC – a fashion company from Poland. There was a Black Friday ‘Week’ Booth in front of some CCC stores, which allowed customers to win special prizes. Kinguin provided vouchers and mascots for the winners. The activation was also supported by a dozen local influencers and was published by the local fashion media. Kinguin hit 100.000 transactions completed during Black Friday Weekend. The number, although wildly successful, brought a few challenges to our Customer Support and IT departments, due to high traffic on the platform. The teams managed it smoothly to ensure a top-notch customer experience with our brand. This is not the first time Kinguin has partnered with CCC. During the summer holidays Kinguin was supporting a gaming initiative from CCC. As part of the Game Garage Playoffs campaign, CCC invited all Club Members to meetings with well-known influencers. Gaming meetings took place in the 8 largest cities of Poland, attended by their brand ambassadors: rapper Smolasty, Kinga Sawczuk, Kaluch and gaming influencers such as: Junajted, Makito, Jcob, Izaak, Aquel, Nervarien or Lach. The activation was concluded with a Back-to-School event organized on the 9th of November. There were several gaming tournaments and a special concert by Smolasty.
Read moreWith Kinguin having a large international presence, the approach to marketing has to be tailored and thought out to ensure it encapsulates as many potential users as possible. This, paired with the fact that for Kinguin, marketing is one of the key building blocks to growth with the marketing team constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve their solutions. Valentin Houssais, Kinguin’s Chief Marketing Officer, and his team have been building a strong foundation for Kinguin to excel and are looking to the future for continuous growth.We took some time to discuss what marketing is for Kinguin, and how Valentin and his team not only surpass expectations, but how they deliver an effective marketing solution for Kinguin to succeed.Valentin has worked at Kinguin for over four years and with a refined international background and experience working in seven countries as of today, he’s well aware of the differences in cultures, personalities and industries. His role at Kinguin as the Chief Marketing Officer, and with experience in branding, esports, marketing and leadership, has brought his own spin to the marketing activities at Kinguin. He has been able to adapt his role to fit what was needed, and has become a facilitator for his team to learn and grow alongside him.As Kinguin is an e-commerce platform, marketing is key for the business to grow, and it’s also where the magic happens. Performance marketing is the foundation of Kinguin’s outreach - in a similar fashion to how a house needs a foundation before you can start building upwards. This year has been all about performance marketing and how the business can bring new users to the marketplace and help the platform grow. Once this foundation has been solidified, Valentin and his team can then dive into other methods of marketing - these include but aren’t limited to influencer outreach, social media, campaigns, events and much more. Kinguin has applied a variety of different solutions in the past with resounding success, and this arsenal is able to be called upon depending on what is most beneficial for the project.Kinguin operates in a massive international market, and has had to adjust accordingly when performing marketing campaigns. Valentin’s past experiences play a key role in being able to carry out bespoke initiatives that are suitable for each target audience. He ensures that the focus is on the different cultures and personalities present in the audience and their regional interests. One solution Valentin and his team are looking into is tailored solutions, for example, if you’re an avid PlayStation fan, you wouldn’t benefit from seeing Xbox advertisements. These areas the team are addressing will offer customers a bespoke solution that can involve local influencers and affiliations, and always focus on the convenience and satisfaction of the users in that region. When working towards new B2B partnerships, Valentin works alongside Partner & Chief of Business Development, David Yarnton and the business team at Kinguin. Over the last few years, Kinguin has bolstered their marketing expertise with brands such as PayPal, Revolut, Huawei and many more well known global brands. The current goal for 2023 is for Kinguin to carry out a global campaign that uses partnerships across the globe to help grow and nurture the business. Diving even further into the future goals of what Valentin is looking towards, Kinguin is looking at a soft rebrand, which will open lots of new opportunities and will allow new approaches to activations. This lands perfectly with the upcoming 10 year anniversary of Kinguin in 2023. With the success of Kinguin Legends, the team at Kinguin have been inspired and have exciting plans for the future. The team will also be focusing on improving the user experience, and in doing so, supporting gamers to have a great experience. There are no limits when it comes to the gaming community, and Kinguin are looking to support as many avid gamers as possible. With the variability of the global economy, everything is evolving at a rapid pace - this includes marketing. Kinguin are having to carry out more tailored and custom solutions than ever before, and it’s exciting to see, whether that be for NFTs, the Kinguinverse or so much more. These approaches can’t be taken lightly and the team at Kinguin knows this. With Valentin’s experience and skill set along with his divergent team, Kinguin can develop solutions and ensure that the foundations are built and the company is building upwards.
Read moreKinguin Prime Time Wrestling will for the first time ever introduce women, with stars including Xia Brookside, Myla Grace and Diana StrongKinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ will feature global wrestling stars including; Santino Marella, Joe Hendry, Matt Sydal and Trent SevenThe event will be broadcasted on DAZN, FITE, Wp.pl, Twitch, YouTube, and moreWarsaw, Poland, 24th November - Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling has today revealed details of its third show - Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling #3 ‘Legends’ which will take place in the Polish capital, Warsaw. Wrestling fans, who tune into the event, will be treated to thrilling fights from wrestling stars all over the world, including Xia Brookside, Myla Grace, Diana Strong, Santino Marella, Joe Hendry, Matt Sydal, Samuray Del Sol and Trent Seven. Fans can also attend live with ticket prices starting at 70 PLN (~ €13), and available to purchase online.The last Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling event, ‘ Ryucon’ was held in Krakow, Poland in July bringing widespread attention from the global wrestling community and continues forward to Poland’s capital city, Warsaw. You can expect more electrifying fights with three female superstars; Xia Brookside, Myla Grace and Diana Strong joining Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ for the first time in its history!Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ promises to be enthralling and offers viewers a tantalising event full of exciting fights with a No DQ Match featuring Axel Fox vs. Justin Joy, a Last Man Standing Match with “Starboy” Nano Lopez vs. Sinister and the main event of Samuray Del Sol vs Matt Sydal. To build up hype ahead of the event, on Friday, Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ contract signing ceremony takes place, during which the players will meet for the first time, sign the contract and start the face off which will be livestreamed to build up tension before the big day! You can find an exciting sneak peak of the gala with the upcoming trailer here.The event will also feature commentary in both Polish and English, with Arek Paterek, Lukasz Balinski and Piotr Malecki with guest commentators Pawel Borkowski and Polish wrestler and silver Olympic medalist of 1980, Andrew Supron. English commentators include legend Santino Marella, who was both the fighter and commentator in previous Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling editions, and Lewis Costello, a popular stand-up comedian and commentator.Arkadiusz Pan Pawłowski, Founder of Prime Time Wrestling said: “Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling is a dream come true for the performers, but most importantly the audience that loves sports entertainment in its purest form. Being a Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling fan doesn't mean just watching the show unfold but getting fully involved and becoming part of the experience!.Robert Kalbarczyk, Chief Executive Officer at Kinguin said: “We’re delighted to co-organise Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling ‘Legends’ for the third time in its impressive history. Wrestling was perceived as a niche sport in recent years, but with such events we hope to bring it to life here in Europe. We can’t wait to give the audience and fans a rousing event!The event will be live on Saturday, November 26 at 19:00 CET in Warsaw. Tickets can be bought here. The event will also be live streamed on DAZN, FITE, Wp.pl, YouTube, Twitch and more. You can find the full fight card below:Pure Gold vs. PAKA - Tag Team MatchPrimate vs. Marty ScurllMyla Grace vs. Xia Brookside vs. Diana Strong - Triple Threat MatchJustin Joy vs. Axel Fox - NO DQ MatchDawid "Puncher" Senko vs. Robert StarTrent Seven vs. Joe Hendry - Impact Digital Media Championship MatchNano Lopez vs. Sinister - Last Man Standing MatchMatt Sydal vs. Samuray Del SolYou learn more about Prime Time Wrestling on their Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. About Prime Time WrestlingPro wrestling is a wildly exciting discipline on the borderline of sports and entertainment, a show that involves the audience in fights of unique, distinctive, and charismatic characters who fight each other to the delight of fans. Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling is an approach to create a working wrestling show model that will be full of crazy stunts, powerful throws, unpredictable twists, and the plethora of stars known not only from the Polish arenas, but also the best promotions in the world.
Read moreKinguin is proud to announce the launch of Kinguin Deal Hunter, a global web-browser extension to compare prices of video games. Kinguin Deal Hunter is a breakthrough solution for customers who want to buy a game at a discounted price.What is Kinguin Deal Hunter?Kinguin Deal Hunter is the web-browser extension that allows you to compare prices of video games with Kinguin’s marketplace. The extension’s main purpose is to display Kinguin offers on gaming websites including Steam, EA, Epic Games Store and also on YouTube, next to gaming videos. This way the user can easily spot bargains for their favorite games and in doing so save money.Additional functions of Kinguin Deal Hunter include syncing the users’ Steam wishlist, easy access to the current preorders available at Kinguin marketplace as well as a gaming news feed hub. Which web-browsers are supported?Kinguin Deal Hunter is supported on many Chromium based browsers including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera and Brave while also compatible with Mozilla Firefox.It is also worth to mention that Kinguin Deal Hunter is available in YouTube. You will find the deals next to gaming videos. How do I get it?You can download the extension for your favorite browser using the links below: Google Chrome, Opera, Edge, and Brave and other Chromium based browsers: LINK Mozilla Firefox: LINKThe installation is simple, requiring just a click on the “Add-to (your browser)” button.Is it safe to use?Yes, Kinguin Deal Hunter has been approved by all the above-mentioned web browsers and it is officially listed on them. The main functioning of the extension does not use any other information than that which would normally be gathered when visiting a website. Two functions use specific user data; the Steam wishlist sync (profile ID provided by the user, profile avatar and wishlist data from Steam API) and the referral ID when you follow a link to the Kinguin website via the extension. There is no other tracking used by the extension.
Read moreKinguin has been able to grow its audience across the globe, but with this amazing expansion, comes a major challenge - ensuring customers can pay with their desired payment solution. With the rise of new payment options cropping up simultaneously in different countries, Kinguin has to ensure all bases are covered and pull out all the stops necessary to make sure that the customer’s purchasing experience is seamless. Faheem Bakshi, Payment Lead, and his team have weaved a web that encompasses over 150+ payment solutions and are looking to expand this even further.We sat down with Faheem and discussed his role within the team, how his experiences have shaped his approach to this key challenge, and how Kinguin is looking to enhance the international customer experience across its platform.Faheem joined Kinguin in 2015 firstly as a Senior Business Analyst and then as Head of Payments, tasked with developing Kinguin as a leader in accessibility to customers through all payment means. Faheem has come from a FinTech background with a major in economics and computer science along with previous experience at Microsoft and on the stock exchange. He has been truly enveloped in the financial technology industry. These experiences are key to the role that he plays within the team and allows him to thrive and adapt in the ever changing world of payments. The Payment Lead’s role is, in simple terms, to manage the payments on Kinguin’s marketplace - but this role is far from simple. With such a large international audience, each customer needs to have the ability to securely and comfortably pay for a product with their service of choice and this is where the challenge lies. Kinguin customers range in age, location along with many more variables, and for Kinguin to ensure that each and every customer is content with the service offering their trusted payment provider. This solution is to integrate as many trusted payment solutions as possible! Kinguin currently boasts over 150 different payment methods and we are looking to expand this to 200 by the end of 2022.Comparing a customer from Argentina to a customer from South Africa, two emerging markets for Kinguin, will provide insight into how tailored the solution needs to be. When a new customer is introduced to the marketplace, no matter where they are based, they need to see a payment method that is not only favoured for their region, but is also trusted and secure; an example of this is American Express for American customers, or Klarna for Scandinavian customers. Kinguin wants to ensure that every customer has full accessibility and feels secure with their purchases on the site, while at the same time, has a wide selection of choices available to them. To find upcoming payment solutions, Faheem and his team conduct market research in local and emerging markets, which include primary and secondary research methods; whether that is customer surveys, networking at industry events or researching the community online. This research is key for Kinguin, as it ensures that the onboarding process of monitoring each solution is a success. This ongoing monitoring requires account management on each payment solution, so Faheem and his team are constantly in contact with customer support representatives across the globe to manage the many solutions effectively.With all of these wide-array of solutions in place, Faheem also has to look to the future and to new market opportunities to decide what will be key moving forward. This key is Open Banking, a direct and instant version of payment, offering endless potential and modern security solutions when compared to traditional banking. This method bypasses third party intermediaries and allows users to transfer directly to each other with the click of a button. This market is slowly growing, with Polish payment system Blik being an amazing case study of the solution in action. Currently, open baking is limited to regional operations but in the next few years, this limitation will most likely be phased out. Pairing this with the fact that banks are currently cooperating with each other on backend API solutions to make the service even more secure, we’ll most likely be seeing more of this solution in the future - and when the time comes, Faheem and his team is ready to pioneer the future at Kinguin!
Read moreKinguin is an industry innovator in the discovery of new business ventures in the gaming and tech industry. Entry into the metaverse will be one of their latest endeavours. The metaverse is a fascinating topic for consumers and companies alike that is continuing to grab interest from around the globe. Kinguin is looking to the future to become a pioneer in the metaverse world with the ‘Kinguinverse’. Michał Kaczmarek, Partner & Chief Metaverse Officer, is captaining this venture and looking to plant the seeds of the Kinguinverse and to help foster its growth. We met with Michał to dive into how he envisions Kinguin’s new chapter, his experience with the metaverse, what it will look like and how Kinguin will use this new platform to expand their horizons and provide users with a whole new world of experiences. Michał joined Kinguin as Partner & Chief Metaverse Officer, where his job is to enable Kinguin to prepare and adapt to the imminent adoption of the metaverse across the industry and transform the company into a pioneer in this new technological field. He has experience in the Gaming and E-commerce industries from previous successful business ventures, and is very familiar with the Metaverse. He is looking forward to combining all his experience gained up until now and apply it to the ‘Kinguinverse’. To understand the metaverse, firstly we have to define it in layman’s terms, think of it as a persistent 3-dimensional digital world, where everything is connected together, accessible by everyone and where everything runs simultaneously in the same instance. We must think about it as what it will be, rather than what it is currently. The most ideal way to think about the technological growth needed for the metaverse would be like trying to explain games such as Roblox and Fortnite to somebody in 1995. The only difference between this example and the metaverse is that we know the metaverse is inevitable.For Kinguin, the goal is to introduce a ‘Kinguinverse’, that revolves around content - in a similar fashion to how Amazon attracts customers to their new platform by using Prime Video. The most important thing for us is to ensure that it’s user friendly - allowing them to consume the content they want in the easiest possible way, within the ecosystem. We will be using cutting edge technology to provide ownership to users in one colossal, united ecosystem. Ideally, users will have a single avatar that will maintain items, achievements and progression throughout the ecosystem. The Kinguinverse will offer a wide variety of apps and games that will be launched on their own platform - with a section where creative developers can build software from within the ecosystem and users can utilise these new community tools to interact with other users. These apps will also work across various platforms, from mobile to PC, and will entice casual and professional users alike, in the hope of attracting the maximum number of viewers. We want to provide users with ownership over their personas and any items and progression they have achieved, which will have a monetary value to each and every item. The ‘Kinguinverse’ will have its own economy connected to the main marketplace, allowing users to buy, sell and trade.We want Kinguin to be at the forefront, ready to take the jump into the metaverse. We’re perfectly positioned to be the glue of the metaverse when it starts being adopted by companies outside of the gaming ecosystem. We have already launched a Kinguin NFT marketplace and have been discussing how we can further provide not only a great user experience for our users, but also help our partners to utilise our platform to propel their own businesses. We’re ensuring that we are prepared for the inevitable integration of the metaverse, and are making sure that our players and clients will be able to count on us to assist them in navigating the revolutionary future of technology and what lies beyond!
Read moreKinguin is today unveiling MoonPay and Magic in Kinguin’s NFT Marketplace, providing users with a new payment gateway and crypto wallet with a more secure and seamless experience. The partnership with MoonPay and Magic will further improve Kinguin’s venture into the crypto space as part of their ambitions with the Kinguinverse.MoonPay is a payment gateway that allows users to transfer money between FIAT and crypto (ETH) - users will be able to exchange FIAT directly into Ethereum native coin and bridge these assets instantly and directly to Layer 2. Part of Magic’s implementation is their crypto wallet, that is compatible with all major blockchains and is simple and easy to register with - only needing an email address and not requiring users to have any prior knowledge of cryptocurrencies. Magic’s crypto wallet is secure and non-custodial with passwordless authentication making the user experience secure and even more fluid. These two solutions are provided through the IMX blockchain infrastructure, the leading Layer 2 infrastructure built on Ethereum and allowing users to buy and sell NFTs. Kinguin’s use of the IMX infrastructure will provide a decentralised marketplace, ensuring that users have no further fees on their transactions. The IMX infrastructure offers a carbon neutral marketplace supporting global decarbonisation goals. “Kinguin is constantly looking for solutions to bring closer and facilitate users to the subject of NFTs. Our recent partnership with IMX and the ongoing integration of top, proven and professional solutions on the market such as MoonPay and Magic will allow all users to take full advantage of the NFT marketplace. I am absolutely thrilled about allowing non-crypto users the possibility to jump into the NFT world without technical limitations compromising their exploration of technology of the future.” said Joanna Krupińska NFT Product Owner at Kinguin. About MoonPayMoonPay is a financial technology company that builds payments infrastructure for crypto. Its on-and-off-ramp suite of products provides a seamless experience for converting between fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies using all major payment methods including debit and credit cards, local bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. MoonPay is active in more than 160 countries and is trusted by 250+ leading wallets, websites, and applications to accept payments and defeat fraud.For more information visit: https://www.moonpay.com/ About Magic LabsFounded in 2018, Magic Labs, formerly known as Fortmatic, is a Silicon Valley based tech start-up that specialises in passwordless authentication and private key management. Web2 and Web3 applications powered by Magic are being used by millions of users worldwide. Magic’s mission is to safeguard the trust between users and internet services by establishing secure and authentic digital identity. In addition to offering enterprise-grade security, Magic has received SOC 2 Type 2, GDPR and CCPA compliance certificates. Magic is backed by top VCs, such as Tiger Global, Northzone, Lightspeed Ventures, Social Capital, etc. as well as renowned angel investors, such as Alexis Ohanian (co-founder of Reddit), Balaji Srinivasan (ex-CTO at Coinbase), Naval Ravikant (co-founder of AngelList), Jason Warner (CTO of GitHub), Ryan Hoover (Founder of Product Hunt) and more.Follow Magic at www.magic.link, Twitter, Discord, LinkedIn, YouTube.
Read moreKinguin is one of the biggest gaming ecommerce markets in the world, with over 95,000 games and software products available on its website. Artur Żarko is Kinguin’s VP of Commercial and together with his team he is building long-term international partnerships with ecommerce businesses’ across the globe, ensuring that Kinguin is able to supply and sell its products in a wide range of international markets. It is through these partnerships that Kinguin is able to create strong supply chain networks for the digital goods on its platform, opening up revenue streams and further expanding access to promising markets. We sat down with Artur to discuss how Kinguin uses innovative API integrations to its advantage and how his team uses traditional relationships building methods to ensure that Kinguin is able to onboard and retain clients for the long-term.Something that I’m incredibly proud of at Kinguin is the sheer volume of choice that we offer to our customers. We stock an incredible variety of products and are always looking for ways to innovate and expand our offerings, such as bringing our clients cutting-edge options that they can use to populate their own storefronts. This is one of the many reasons that we’ve been able to build such a strong international network of partners, improving our distribution networks and greatly improving our revenue streams. It is absolutely critical for Kinguin that we onboard and retain as many partner businesses as we can, and whilst our product portfolio is able to give us a significant advantage, my team and I believe that a key factor in securing business is through fostering relationships - both offline and online. By taking the time to meet our partners in person, we are able to build relationships founded in mutual trust and respect, allowing us to better illustrate the strengths of our distribution channels and better understand customer needs. We are able to follow this up with industry leading customer support channels, ensuring that our partners are able to receive online help and counsel when dealing with any of our products that they use in their storefronts.Another key way in which we ensure we meet our clients demands is through the use of our many application programming interface (API) solutions. In a world where customers expect instant gratification, we need to have the tools available to be able to automatically supply and distribute digital goods to our partner’s storefronts. Recently we were asked by over 5000 of our existing and prospective clients to integrate the WooCommerce API Plug-In to the Kinguin Marketplace. We immediately began the process of implementing this service, greatly improving the range of clients we appeal to but also setting up Kinguin for mass market ecommerce success. We are also taking steps to integrate the Shopify API Plug-In which will be ready to use by the end of 2022, effectively offering Kinguin customers access to the two most commonly used ecommerce API Plug-In’s in the world, greatly expanding the utility of our marketplace and offering our customers more ways to automate their stock supplies. It is the combination of our customer service, relationship management, and innovative API technologies that we are able to onboard and retain a global portfolio of partners.We also recently launched our Kinguin NFT Marketplace which has greatly expanded the range of digital products that we have been able to offer to prospective customers. Many of our current partners have been greatly interested in NFTs and have discussed how they can utilise the products on our marketplace to help propel their own businesses into a web 3.0 future. As we continue to innovate and future-proof our product offerings, we set ourselves up as an ecommerce business equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities that web 3.0 will bring. I firmly believe that the steps Kinguin is taking now as a business, including immersing ourselves in the metaverse and world of NFTs, will pay off in huge volumes in the years to come. By preempting market demands, and ultimately client needs, we can cement ourselves as an ecommerce industry leader that can not only provide high quality service to our customers, but also be the access point for the future of online retail.
Read moreIn May, Kinguin launched their NFT Marketplace, offering its customers an entirely new range of products and positioning Kinguin as a company building for an NFT and Web3 future. Krzysztof Pająk, Technical Leader at Kinguin, who was responsible for developing and implementing the Kinguin NFT Marketplace. In just three months, Kryzsztof and his team were able to work with Immutable X to take the Kinguin NFT Marketplace from an idea, to full-scale implementation. Throughout the development process, Krzysztof placed great emphasis on the importance of awareness as a team leader. Being tuned in to both his teams, and the wider Kinguin companies' activities, allowed him to effectively manage and upskill his colleagues, as they tackled the challenges that came with the implementation of the Kinguin NFT Marketplace. We sat down with Krzysztof to chat about the project, its challenges, and the long term advantages both his team and Kinguin will benefit from.I was initially briefed on the Kinguin NFT Marketplace idea in March 2021. We had just begun our conversations with Immutable X and the reality of a fully implemented Kinguin NFT Marketplace was still a long way down the line. It wasn’t until February 2022 that we were asked to begin the process of building a fully functional NFT marketplace. Throughout the three month implementation process I was able to significantly grow my team, starting with a few in-house developers, and ending with a fully capable blockchain development department.When we began the project, we entered into a series of calls with our partner Immutable X. Our team had very little experience developing on the blockchain and almost no experience of dealing with layer 2 protocols. Immutable X was able to provide us with ready-to-use API solutions, a full Software Development Kit (SDK) and a suite of fantastic documentation that allowed us to effectively and efficiently implement their system to our Marketplace. Parallel to the development benefits of our partnership, Immutable X also enabled us to list NFT’s from popular blockchain games such as Gods Unchained. The future of gaming is decentralization, and games such as Gods Unchained give the players the ability to genuinely own items and products from within a game that they can sell or trade, like any other asset. Kinguin has always been a future-focused company, looking forward to what is next, rather than catching up with what has already been, and the NFT marketplace is a great example of how we are preparing for the Web3 future and beyond.Despite the excellent support we received from Immutable X, there were many challenges throughout the development process; most notably team capacity and baseline knowledge of both first and second layer blockchain solutions. In order to effectively tackle the problem and deliver the completed product on time, we onboarded additional team members quickly and collectively researched and upskilled each other when it came to handling the 2nd layer protocols we were less familiar with. I believe our collective awareness, of not only our strengths and weaknesses but also the gaps in our knowledge, allowed us to quickly and effectively source solutions to problems we had never encountered before. Throughout the development process, my team and I were able to learn a whole suite of new skills, effectively equipping us to manage any future blockchain related demands that Kinguin may face. As I reflect on the completed project, I also reflect on how we adjusted our development goals to better focus our efforts. At the start of the project we had a single goal in mind - to finish the integration of the marketplace in time. However, as we began to problem solve and discuss implementation of the project, we also began to think about the marketplace in terms of ‘customer stories’ - i.e. the different ways in which our customers would be able to interact with the marketplace. In total we had 14 different ‘user stories’ to make a reality, and our goals were to ensure that the customer could follow any one of those 14 scenarios by the time we were ready to go live with the integration. By thinking about the implementation in terms of how our customers would experience the product, and how each of these scenarios would provide value to our customers, we were able to focus our efforts and solve problems more effectively to ensure we met the tight deadline. I think this reflects Kinguin’s wider attitude to customer service and showcases how we develop and implement ideas with the customer’s experience a priority.I am extremely proud of my team and what we were able to accomplish in such a short time frame. By analyzing problems with a customer-first approach and having the awareness as a team to collectively support and upskill each other we were effectively able to future proof our development skills and support Kinguin on its journey into the NFT industry. As Kinguin begins to develop more products and initiatives in this area, I believe we will truly be able to build something special and unique for our customers, which is really exciting for everyone at Kinguin. The completion of the Kinguin NFT Marketplace firmly plants our stake as a key player in the future of Web3 ecommerce and as we continue to develop and grow, our position will only get stronger.
Read moreIn 2015, Michał Figas joined Kinguin’s customer service team and since then, they have gone from strength to strength in terms of innovation and motivation. Now as the Vice President of Customer Service & Fraud Risk Management, he has clearly defined a customer service strategy which puts the Kinguin customer front and centre. We sat down with Michał so we could learn more about his top priorities when it comes to customer satisfaction, his thoughts on the integration of top tech and his passion for team development.Many people may look at my job title and think my responsibilities are opposing, but they are actually more similar than not. In fact, building a structure where fraud risk management sits beside customer service has delivered increased customer satisfaction and safety - the holy grail for any customer service team!Customer satisfaction A key part of our success has come from the fact that we have cemented a simple ethos towards customer service - treat them how you would like to be treated. At the end of the day, we have all been customers, so we all have expectations. Ultimately, our goal is to go the extra mile for every Kinguin customer and make them feel valued and listened to. For this to work, we have set in stone some key non-negotiables. In 2017, the golden standard for responding to customers was between 24 and 48 hours, but times have changed, and customers are constantly expecting more. There is now a small window before they turn to social media so, with this in mind, we aim to reply to all cases in less than 24 hours. But whilst prioritising waiting times is very important to our customers, we have also put a lot of emphasis on personalising messages. Giving our customers a choice is also important, so we offer multiple routes to resolving their issues. We have extensive FAQs that can be easily accessed through our website but, if after reading them, a customer still cannot find the answer to their question they can contact us through our chatbot. Each month we accommodate around 7,000 chats and over 50% of these are resolved then and there.Tech innovation Using advanced technology is a priority because it does improve the customer experience. In late 2020, for example, we introduced Zendesk - a complete customer service software solution. This adds value to our customer relationships by helping us personalise interactions. Another bonus is that it is integrated with our own software and this means we can adapt much more quickly to our customer’s needs. We also continuously review our internal process - particularly as we have, in the past, come under fire for not authenticating gaming keys properly. With an increasing number of people shopping online there has been a dramatic rise in fraud and scam complaints and we need to make sure we are protecting our customers. With tech investment we have reduced our fraud rate to 0.42%, but we want to take it one step further and introduce Shufti Pro, an API based identity Verification solution. This will help us increase conversions, reduce chargebacks and deter fraudulent attempts. And finally, look out for our natural language processing - this will give our chatbots the ability to understand human language as it is spoken and written.The teamNone of this growth or innovation would however be possible if it was not for my team who are the face of Kinguin, and visible at every touchpoint. This is why I am passionate about investing in the right people, including hiring students straight from University because they are often motivated to grow. And what I love most about my team (and what I am looking for in every potential new recruit) is humility. Also, as long as people have the heart for the work they do, they will always convey this passion to our customers, and that is what will lead to them having a positive interaction with Kinguin. Then via thorough training and support, from the more experienced Kinguiners, we will be able to strengthen the team even further.That said, we are not resting on our laurels - the world of ecommerce is competitive. So, we actively encourage our customers to leave honest feedback on Trustpilot. We believe this helps us work out where we are going wrong so we can put in place plans to counteract issues and improve. I believe we have the best group of customer specialists and I am determined to ensure that continues.
Read moreThese days selling products online is the most convenient way of doing business. It can be done even easier and more efficiently by using dedicated plug-ins. Plug-in is a software component that adds a specific feature to an existing computer program. This is a part of a software that enhances features and expands services, functions and capabilities of an existing application. Main purpose of using plug-ins is to create more tools and features within your application. It is important to know why a plug-in is needed in your existing application. Basically, it is used for:categorising products, setting and customising themes, analyse statistics, payment systems, system integration,customer support features. What are the types of plug-ins?We can distinguish free and paid plug-ins. It is important to check if the plug-in is ready to be used from day one and does not require additional software. What is more, always check if you receive dedicated support for the plug-in integration. That is crucial to fully utilise its functionality from the very first moment. There are many types of plug-ins available on the internet. In this article, we will focus on free plug-in for online stores. Why are plug-ins so popular?The usage of plug-ins is an increasingly common practice nowadays in business, especially those, which are based on open source solutions. The advantage of it is the ability to select functionalities desired by the user. By using plug-ins you do not need to code things manually and hire dedicated people for your IT department. In practice, this enables people who do not have programming skills to use advanced, professional software and personalised features.Plug-ins usage in dropshipping:In online sales, plug-ins are often used for dropshipping. Dropshipping, is a form of retail business, wherein the seller accepts customer orders, but does not keep goods sold in stock. It is one of the most convenient methods of online selling, because it does not require your financial contribution and space to store products. With a good idea, you can start selling without a financial contribution and develop your business in a dropshipping model.Kinguin allows you to use such a selling method. You can import stock from a seller, display and sell it as yours in your online store. Many sellers find such a method very convenient, because everyone can earn from it and together develop their business. For that reason numerous companies create plug-ins to help other users establish or evolve their business faster.Free Kinguin WooCommerce plug-in:Kinguin created a free of charge plug-in for its customers, called Kinguin API for WooCommerce. WooCommerce is a customizable, open-source eCommerce platform built on WordPress. It is designed for small to large-sized online merchants using WordPress. It is the most popular online selling system, which supports over 5 million online stores around the world. You can download our free plug-in here: https://wordpress.org/plugins/kinguin/#description. That will allow you to import over 70,000 digital products to your online store, from video games to computer software and services. You will get instant access to: game keys for numerous platforms, including Steam, Origin, Uplay or GOG. Gift cards for popular CS:GO stores, including Gamdom, DuelBits or CSGO EmpireComputer software, including Windows, Antivirus or security software How can you integrate your store with Kinguin’s plug-in?Below is the 4-steps instruction of how you can use Kinguin’s plug-in and start selling over 70,000 products directly through your online store:1. Installing plug-in and linking accounts:First of all you need to create an account and submit an application form via Kinguin integration website: https://www.kinguin.net/integration (Kinguin API dashboard)Now, you need a working WooCommerce system set up on the server. If you do not have a WooCommerce (free of charge) set yet, please check this website: https://woocommerce.com/Please download and install the plug-in for Kinguin API in WooCommerce: https://wordpress.org/plugins/kinguin/#description After the plug-in is installed, you are able to see it in the WordPress administration panel. Click on it and go to the settings tab.In the plug-in settings, you will be asked to provide more details, which you can find in your account in the Kinguin API dashboard.You will be asked to enter an API key* and select the environment you want to work on. Kinguin offers two environments - production and sandbox. Production is the main sales platform where real transactions take place. On the sandbox, you can test the operation of the system and place virtual orders. The link to the sandbox is available at this stage of the plug-in's settings. 2. Receiving the API key:Once your application is approved, you can now login.After that please select the "my stores" tab and then create a new store.After creating the store, you will see your API key. Please copy it and paste to the plug-in settings in WooCommerce.Please remember not to share your API key with anyone. 3. Webhooks set up:After downloading the API key, click the "webhooks" button in the upper right corner. Here, by using the data from the plug-in settings, please fill out the following fields: PRODUCT UPDATE, ORDER COMPLETE, ORDER STATUS CHANGE.And then please follow the instructions. Save the changes and proceed. 4. Importing productsPlease go to the plug-in tab called "import products".You should see the "import" button. Click on it and wait for all the products to be imported to your store. Do not close the browser tab until the import is completed.After the download is completed, you can manage the products in the "products" tab in your WooCommerce. If you need any support, please feel free to contact us:api.team@kinguin.ioUseful links:https://www.kinguin.net/integrationhttps://www.sandbox.kinguin.net/integrationhttps://github.com/kinguinltdhk/Kinguin-eCommerce-APIAPI key* - the key of the application programming interface, is a piece of software code. Most often it is in the form of a generated string. It allows you to identify the user or machine that is triggering the communication.WARNING: Never share your API key with anyone!Webhooks** - are the events that trigger some actions. In most cases, they are used for communication between systems. This is the easiest way to get an alert when something happens in another system. They are called webhooks because they act as software hooked up on the network.
Read moreIn 2020 Natalia Szepelowska was announced as Kinguin’s Head of People and since then she has spearheaded the charge to ensure smooth people-related operations - whether it is employee satisfaction or driving recruitment. As a psychologist and cognitive scientist, she combines her passion for getting to know people, their potential and their struggles, with her ability to deliver pathways to personal goals and company growth. We sat down with Natalia where she described the employee culture at Kinguin and the company’s new recruitment aspirations.As Head of People, I recognise that Kinguiners will always be our greatest asset and our top priority. I knew from the beginning that we needed to create a company culture that allows them to have a voice to show them we cared. So, that is exactly what we are doing. We are building a culture centred around caring for our employees, which we believe can enable them to thrive, develop and progress during their time at Kinguin.Our culture is integral to us, and it is how we measure whether candidates would be a good fit for Kinguin. During any interview, no matter your level, care always sits front and centre. In a world where empathy is increasingly paramount, it has become a standout principle by which we measure both potential candidates and our existing team. Take the last two years for example. From clearly communicating our company policy which strongly recommended all Kinguiners to work from home, to moving a majority of the meetings online, to distributing home-office set-ups, to ensuring job security, we were able to successfully help all of our employees through the pandemic - we are extremely proud of this.More recently, we have introduced new internal initiatives to encourage employee retention, satisfaction and progression. One being our team player of the quarter initiative, which rewards three employees who demonstrate a hands-on approach to sharing their knowledge and supporting others, with winners receiving a gift of their choice. This year, we also established ‘Kinguiners’ Day’ to highlight the company’s appreciation for all our employees' hard work. The day was filled with special gifts and a personal video from executives and team leaders praising Kinguiners for their ongoing dedication to the company. We thrive off making each employee feel valued and reward those who are excelling - so, keep up the good work Kinguiners!But we have also expanded our duty of care to help those outside the company. The world has been touched by what’s been happening in Ukraine and as their neighbours, we are passionate about doing our part. So, as soon as the crisis began, we not only opened up the Kinguin Esports Performance Centre for all Ukrainian esports players and their families free of charge, but also welcomed Ukrainian families into our Polish offices. Even though our capacity is limited, we are working tirelessly to accommodate every single guest. It is clear for us to care for those in need, and we will continue to explore ways to provide ongoing support. Another example of a programme we created was Kinguin Cares, and a key part of this project focused on supporting children in orphanages across Poland. Last year we provided next generation consoles and games to more than 650 children. In July, we also invited the children back to attend educational webinars led by well-known Polish influencers - Luure, Nieuczesana, Popo and Fanaberry - to give them an insight into potential gaming career opportunities. To finish off the programme, we organised an event at the Kinguin Esports Lounge in Gdańsk with special prizes for all the children.I feel very passionate about shining a light on our internal and external initiatives because they define our company and people - it is one of the reasons Kinguin is a great place to work. Another reason is because we have a progressive and entrepreneurial spirit - we want to give everyone who works for us the support they need to reach their goals. I am one example of someone who has been able to grow - moving from HR & Education specialist to Head of People in just four years. You can find many similar stories across the company!And all of this is important in a year when we, as a company, have some big ambitions. Due to continued growth, we want to increase our personnel by 40%. So, if you have big aspirations and believe you embody Kinguin’s company culture, check out our recruitment page - we have multiple vacancies open.
Read moreRobert Kalbarczyk is the second of three employees to take up the acting CEO position and, while he has only been in the role for a month, he has already set out the leader he wants to be - an approachable and adaptable CEO who has the ability to build a high performing team that delivers results. Robert has a wealth of experience as an entrepreneur, investor, start-up leader and management board advisor. This, alongside his business development background, means he is able to develop solutions that will grow revenue streams and inevitably make a huge influence at Kinguin. We found time to chat with Robert where he told us about his personal Kinguin journey, how he plans to nurture a people-first culture and his strategy for making an impact on the business. When joining the company in 2018 I instantly realised that the beauty of Kinguin lies in every employee being free to be themselves and to contribute to the business. Sometimes it drives me crazy, in a good way, just thinking about the huge potential yet to be unlocked. It’s why I'm looking forward to the next stage of my journey with Kinguin so much. My time has been full of notable moments, many of them learning curves. One which sticks out was two years ago during a period which offered many internal challenges to the company’s cash flow. Then the pandemic hit and people turned to video games and we saw an opportunity to reverse our fortunes. Our team really pulled together - they demonstrated belief, passion and a work ethic I’ve not seen anywhere else. We ignited the fire that grew the business to where it is today - and I’m proud to be part of a team that didn’t give up. When Kinguin Founder, Viktor Romaniuk Wanli, asked me to take on the acting CEO role alongside Brandon Doerfler and Adam Gruda, I knew my first priority was our people, they are the most important layer of our business. As Brandon previously highlighted, they are our greatest assets and advocates, and while he has already cemented a solid people-first philosophy, I want to put my own stamp on it. From my perspective, personal development has to come front and centre. I want to work closely with our employees and encourage them to take ownership of their own goal setting. This is how we will lead them down a path to becoming the best versions of themselves, which will inevitably make Kinguin the best it can be. This links closely to my other priority - considering ways we can impact the business. As a team, we need to be aligned in our strategy and goals. And to do this, our employees must understand the bigger Kinguin picture and specifically, how they can add value. In my experience, people in leadership roles talk about inspiring their workforce and I buy into that, but without context it serves no purpose. So, with that in mind we now hold weekly meetings where we present top-level strategy decisions to the entire company. This keeps everyone in the loop, and also gives them a voice. Two-way communication is crucial to any successful company, and our people are game changers - they will always come armed with solutions and valuable insights to help with growth and cash flow. 2022 will be the year of personal growth and company success for Kinguin - it’s all about achieving clarity in goals and traceability of impact. But for this to be successful, it will be my job to remove any obstacles on our way to excellence. It may only have been one month since I took on this role, but I look forward to carrying these insights, and the Kinguiners, into the next chapter with me.
Read moreIt was only at the beginning of this year that Marek Fila was announced as Kinguin’s new CTO. He brings a wealth of tech knowledge to the role following 26 years at companies such as RBS, Samsung, the US Lionbridge and Cisco. Taking this position gives Marek the opportunity to put his existing tech prowess to work to help Kinguin reach their aspirations of an advanced tech company. Marek is looking forward to the challenge - he feels he can bridge the gap between tech and business and he’s looking forward to being a more open and transparent leader at Kinguin. We found time to chat with Marek where he told us about Kinguin’s tech potential as well as his top priorities coming into the role. As soon as I was approached I knew the role of Kinguin’s CTO was perfect for me. For my next move I wanted to work for a cloud based modern tech company and Kinguin stood out from the crowd. Already making technological advancements by implementing NFTs and Google Recommendations AI to their market leading website, it was their bold decision to transition from Magento, an open-source ecommerce platform, to their own marketplace engine which drew me in. It highlighted their true potential.By using their own marketplace engine, Kinguin can meet additional business requirements, deploy digital products much quicker and provide implementations in single actions. As a result, its platform is more agile, flexible and efficient. And in a competitive market it’s all about being first - ultimately, if you’re first to market then you’re perceived a winner and Kinguin has become a standout leader. But what really differentiates us from our competitors is that Kinguin is dedicated to creating customised solutions and facilitating end to end services to all forms of businesses. We recognise every business is important, regardless of size - after all, big business has to start somewhere. Our tech helps these small businesses thrive by providing them with the engine and services to do so. As a global digital ecommerce platform, our customers are all over the world, but what our tech offers merchants is the agility and ability to connect their products with anybody, anywhere, in the knowledge that their transactions are in safe hands.Heading into this role it’s all been about where I can add the most value. From my perspective, it’s important for us to connect with more merchants, to create new diverse offerings and improve our customer’s purchasing experience, such as linking recommendations to customers, based on their interests and history of purchases. I am also keen to explore customisation for specific countries. This means we need to build an IT architecture that can compete and adapt to a rapidly moving environment. Speaking of the environment, a long term proposition for Kinguin’s tech is to go green. By presiding in the clouds, we can alleviate processing delays and easily scale up or scale down to meet demand - this makes us cost effective as well as environmentally friendly! We can become pioneers in the market by using the newest, most efficient technology including the latest AI tech and Google tools to reduce our footprint. This is why one of the first decisions I’ve made is to completely shut down Magento by the middle of the year. Watch this green space!While it’s essential to make these changes for our partners and our customers, it’s equally important to bring our people on the journey with us - they need to be fully engaged with our vision. With this in mind, we’re educating our employees on our tech capabilities. But to achieve our goals we also need to recruit talent - people who can support our ambitions to scale up. This means we also have to consider how we tell our story to the wider world - and that’s something we’re working on and why I feel passionate about being the bridge between the business and the tech.While I’m only a month into the role, things are moving quickly. I genuinely believe we’re on the right track to becoming an advanced tech company of the future!
Read moreTrustly is a global leader in online payments and is now available in the Kinguin checkout. With Kinguin’s mission to enhance gamers’ experiences anywhere and anytime, Trustly offers Kinguin shoppers a fast, easy, and secure way to purchase their favourite games using just their fingerprint or Face ID. You don’t need to pre-register or sign up for anything. You also don’t need to download any other apps. All you need is what you already have: your online bank account, your device, and your biometrics (fingerprint or Face ID). Paying with Trustly is a very quick, very hassle-free experience. It’s optimised for use on mobile devices and is always free to use.How to pay with Trustly?Select Trustly in the checkout when you’re ready to pay.Select your bank, log in and choose an account to pay from.Confirm your payment with your preferred authentication methodFast purchases. Fast refunds.With the speed and ease at which Trustly settles your payment so you can enjoy your goods in no time – sometimes you’ll need to return your purchases for whatever reason. With Trustly, refunds settle back into your account instantly. Giving you the power and freedom to spend your money the way you see fit.Born in Sweden and now available in over 30 countries, Trustly is a licensed payment institution authorised and supervised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. It holds a European Payment Services Provider (PSP) license in accordance with the Payment Services Directive (PSD, 2007/64/EC) and directive (EU) 2015/2366 on payment services (PSD2). Trustly never stores any information that can be used to access your bank account. It uses the highest encryption standard available, in addition to the banks' security system.Kinguin has more than 10 million registered users and with Trustly in the Kinguin store checkout, you can be assured of an even better user experience with a faster, easier way to enjoy your new gaming purchases.
Read moreMichał Gębski, Regional Country Manager at Kinguin, has a huge passion for video games, which all started when he received his first PC, the Atari XL, at eight years of age. Coupling this love of gaming with his ambitious nature, Michał became a competitive gamer, initially battling in Starcraft, before moving into Rainbow 6 and GS:GO. This experience means he understands the importance of needing a place to train before major tournaments and he’s used that experience to ensure that Kinguin Esports Performance Center (EPC) has become that perfect place for teams and players to hone their skills because of its holistic infrastructure and ability to put players' needs front and center.Michał has worked at Kinguin for six years now, playing a vital role in evolving the EPC into the world class facility it is today. We sat down with Michał to ask him about his rich history in the professional esports world and to find out more about Kinguin’s EPC, as well as his aspirations for its future.Back in 2017 I joined Team Kinguin as a PR Manager, where I very quickly realised that the best thing about working here is that you have a lot of autonomy. This is where I saw my chance. There were so many new business opportunities for Kinguin to explore and tap into, and when I outlined these to my Senior Managers, they were not only excited, but also helped me adapt my role to make my visions for the company possible. What I didn’t know then was that this was only the beginning of my journey at Kinguin.After this, my next challenge at Kinguin was to manage and grow the EPC itself. As a team, we built Kinguin’s EPC from scratch, making it one of the first professional facilities for esports teams and the industry in Europe - something I’m very proud of. My competitive gaming background made this a passionate venture for me. It allowed me to share insights and knowledge into what teams really need - an all encompassing esports training center.And that’s what we accomplished! Our EPC, which is based in Warsaw, offers the best-in-class facilities and provides teams with unlimited access to training and analyst rooms, streaming opportunities, accommodation, massage room with professional physios, a gym, psychologists on hand and even professional chefs. This goes far beyond just a bootcamp; a professional sport - or esport - requires a professional lifestyle.Brandon Doerfler, Kinguin’s first acting CEO, recently spoke about his people first philosophy which resonates so well with what we’re doing here at the EPC. People really are our greatest assets and without them, our EPC wouldn’t be the world class facility it is today. Our team truly does go the extra mile. Take for example our newest team member, the concierge, who watches all the games and if they see that you’re still conquering enemies then don’t worry, they’ll reschedule your dinner! It’s that kind of enthusiasm and passion that really helps Kinguin’s EPC stand above the rest. The first team to put our facilities to the test were the Australian Renegades who originally came for a whistlestop bootcamp. Nine months down the line and they were still here! This said it all, proving that these facilities were needed in the industry. From the beginning of last year, the EPC was visited by world-leading esports organisations such as OG, FaZe Clan, Team Vitality, MiBR, Evil Geniuses, 100 Thieves, Furia and many others.In terms of future aspirations, we have many. The EPC has already established itself as a leading facility within the industry, but as the teams who come to train at our facilities will know, it's all about how to stay on top. One of our ideas is to create our very own Mind Hub. Designed for professional and semi-professional players, it will be made up of three key pillars. These include: Performance - consisting of 23 clinical-grade cognitive tests prepared by professional scientists and created specifically for esports professionals. Each test will focus on fundamental cognitive skills, including short-term memory and spatial perception.Psychology - a comprehensive psychological assessment based on 35 years of research in professional sport but modified for esports. The assessment will evaluate players’ psychological and social functioning and focuses on 12 intangible performance traits crucial for any esport athlete.Medical - a list of biomedical tests designed by doctors for pro-gamers. This medical checkup will be focused on blood, kidney, liver, inflammatory and hormonal functioning and will enable us to detect whether players are suffering from any medical issues, such as dehydration, excessive stress, cardiovascular problems, liver problems and much more. Putting this analysis together will provide an all encompassing report which will let teams and players know their current performance status, as well as their true potential. If implemented properly by teams, it would be a huge step towards further professionalising esports.I’m excited to continue leading and pushing boundaries with this exciting venture for Kinguin. We’ll continue to make our state of the art facilities even better - Kinguin Esports Performance Center is where future champions are born - watch this space!
Read moreDid you know that if you have online store, blog, website or affiliate services, you can easily expand it to sell digital products using API integration with Kinguin?API (Application Programming Interface) is a software intermediary that allows two applications to ‘talk to each other’. It connects computers or computer programs. The term API may refer either to the specification or to the implementation. Application programming interface, contrary to user interface, connects computers or pieces of software to each other. API is not intended to be used by end users, it is a tool for computer programmers, who are linking different software systems.In terms of ecommerce API allows linking two different online stores and sharing the product base from one to another.How does the Kinguin API work?Kinguin API for eCommerce is a digital key distribution system, which links Kinguin’s marketplace database with an external online store. It enables online stores, blogs, information websites, affiliate services and all entrepreneurs operating on the Internet to expand their businesses, utilizing the potential of the gaming industry. They can import Kinguin’s stock to their website and sell products automatically, risk free and without buying products in advance.When you connect with Kinguin’s API you are instantly getting access to over 50,000 unique digital products available at Kinguin.net. Kinguin Integration is a ready-to-use web service, available at Kinguin.net marketplace (www.kinguin.net/integration). What is the purchase process with API?When a visitor of your website selects a product and completes the transaction, the automatic API system will submit a query to Kinguin’s database. The key will be delivered instantly to your system, and then the client will receive it. The entire process takes a few seconds and your client can enjoy the new game at a low price!One of the biggest advantages of the KinguinAPI system is that you don't have to pay in advance for the products. Kinguin charges your Kinguin eurBalance account only when your customer buys the product and the purchase is finalized. Kinguin offers dedicated Customer Service support which is available 24 hours, 7 days per week. If your client has any issues with the key, they can contact our Customer Service. With that you don’t need your own Customer Service and you can significantly reduce the cost of your business. How to start using Kinguin’s API?ApplicationIn order to start you should create an Account here: kinguin.net/integration and provide all the necessary information to be verified and to generate an API access key.Then just apply for access by clicking the "Start Earning" button, and wait for the application to be processed. To log into the panel, it is required to use Kinguin ID credentials. If you don’t have them, a new account is being created. After successful verification, the access is granted. Store VerificationNow you are able to log into the panel and go to the “My Stores” tab. Here you should create a new store, which will be representing your online store in the panel.. In this step your unique API key will be generated. Remember to save it, it will be needed later during the integration process.Store IntegrationWe offer professional technical support throughout the integration process. After your application is approved, a delivery manager will contact you for an introductory conversation. He will also invite you to our Slack channel where our developers team will answer all your technical questions. In addition to that you will get an invitation to a video call, so that you can see in practice how the registration and operation of the dashboard looks like. For more information please visit this GitHub page: https://github.com/kinguinltdhk/Kinguin-eCommerce-APIYou will now use the API key, which you generated in the previous step. Now you are ready to import the list of products, including:PriceImagesStockDescriptionsOther attributes (ex. platform, genre, PEGI rating, supported languages, tags)For testing purposes we offer access to our sandbox platform. You will gain access to it after registration.BalanceIn the last step you have to add funds to your Kinguin eurBalance wallet. Then the orders can be dispatched to your customers.Congratulations, at this point you have over 50,000 unique digital products available at your website ready to be sold. You can now set your margin and make profit, selling them to your customer base.Thanks to Kinguin’s API, all e-commerce stores can start earning money, without the need of having their own stock of products.Try it now at:https://www.kinguin.net/integrationIf you have any questions feel free to contact our API team:Jujelyn Villanueva - Sales Development Specialistjujelyn.ballon@kinguin.ioOskar Murglin - Delivery Manageroskar.murglin@kinguin.io
Read moreThere has been a lot of misunderstanding around game key distribution on Kinguin.net because they’re cheaper than other platforms. Many people believe we are a reseller, but we are not. The way we distribute is no different to a traditional supply chain - it just happens to take place in a digital space.So what is actually Kinguin?Kinguin.net isn’t a reseller, or even a seller. We are an online platform - digital marketplace. We let sellers from all around the world offer digital products and we provide them with ready-to-use solutions.Professional distributors use our marketplace to offer their stock, just like many traditional stores use Amazon or Ebay, to have an online outlet without the need to pay a fortune for designing and maintaining a new website.If you apply this to the real world, we’d be a mall owner lending space to various brands wanting to run their clothing stores or coffee shops inside the building. On Kinguin.net, instead of these shops, we have game stores. A couple of years ago these sellers would be considered your local game shop owners. Today, they’re still companies, and in some cases big ones! It’s only that they work in the digital space.Selling, not resellingThe main reason why the vast majority of Kinguin.net business users should be considered sellers, and not resellers, is because they acquire keys first-hand from the source. They are registered companies that pay taxes, and they stock up in compliance with the law. Kinguin uses a multi-level verification process of each seller. There is also a rating system of each seller on the marketplace, which is based on buyers experience. Watch the video below to better understand where the keys come from:Why is Kinguin so cheap?Game keys that are sold at Kinguin.net are already bought from developers, by their wholesale and retail partners. They buy it in bulk and that way they can negotiate prices.Pricing can also vary across territories, meaning that retailers in the US or UK could pay more than those from Turkey or Russia. This is because those prices are imposed by developers and their distribution networks. However, our role at Kinguin is to try to lower these prices and as a result reduce the barriers for players to join their gaming adventure.There are other factors to include as well. We offer assistance in setting up your store. We provide ready-to-use game descriptions etc. You don’t have to pay for creating additional assets to promote your game keys. Most of all, we are operating at a low margin so the sellers don’t have to inflate their prices to make profit. All of that combined makes it cheaper to sell games on Kinguin.net, hence the lower prices.What about keys acquired in bundles and then sold on Kinguin?Yes, this does happen, but it's a completely legal process - developers/publishers have already received payment and everyone has already had the chance to purchase the keys at the original offer price.And we have tens of thousands of titles in our offer!There are quite a few reasons behind this. Firstly we’re a genuine link in the chain for distributing video game keys, secondly we listen and work with developers for the best outcome possible, and lastly we’re a legitimate marketplace with over 10 million registered customers, which supports over 100 payment methods from all over the world including PayPal, bank transfers, credit cards and mobile payments.
Read moreNFT is the world’s new buzz word and, for Kinguin, an exciting new opportunity. When asked to describe them in one sentence, Mateusz Mach, Director of NFTs at Kinguin told us it was limiting because while the crude definition means non-fungible tokens, the reality is that these unique, irreplaceable assets are about to change the world of collectibles, and gaming, forever.Mateusz, a highly regarded entrepreneur who founded the world’s first sign language messenger and venture house Nextrope, started with Kinguin in April. He was inspired to join the company having had conversations with founder Viktor Romaniuk Wanli about multiple topics covering digital trade and NFTs, and this, combined with his expertise and passion for tech, made it an opportunity he couldn’t refuse. We sat down with him to ask him about NFTs and to find out what this means for Kinguin. While many people are only now hearing about NFTs, the first one was created in 2014. This was when there was a desire to trade assets online. But, it was only in January this year that NFTs became popular and much of the hype that has been created is the result of the collectables culture in the US. Since then the growth has been exponential, hitting a high of 2.5 billion USD in Q2! But we’re still only at the beginning - there is much to improve and more industries will get involved.For Kinguin, it is a new business area to explore. But I’m always looking for creative challenges and I knew that adding NFTs to the marketplace was a now or never opportunity. So far during my time at the company we’ve announced a partnership with Immutable X and more recently we became the exclusive NFT partner for the Kinguin Prime Time Wrestling event, where we minted exclusive wrestling NFTs and became the first marketplace globally to enter the NFT world. While NFTs provide a new revenue category for the company, our goal is more holistic. We understand that NFTs are new for many people and that while our customers are tech savvy, there is still an education process. Our plan is to invest in building the most convenient to use NFT marketplace within the gaming industry. What we want is for anyone visiting Kinguin.net to find and buy the NFT they want - and to do it with confidence!One example of this is the payment solutions we offer. We’re well known for our wide variety of checkout processes - there are many marketplaces that do not know how to integrate the payment options we have. Our ambition is to make sure this is fully integrated when our customers are buying and trading NFTs as well - it’s important to give them choices.As well as educating our customers on NFTs, we also want to make sure we offer products that appeal to their tastes. We plan to collaborate with partners who give them access to exclusive, gaming collectibles, ones we know they will want to get their hands on. But this will not be limited to gaming. NFTs have become a part of pop culture and because of this we are in advanced talks with artists, musicians, fashion designers, and celebrities to contribute our ideas and add their NFTs on our marketplace. From a personal perspective, my interest is in establishing a new category for Kinguin - one where there is much room to innovate and excite our customers. It will be an incredible experience to be a part of those technological changes. For Kinguin, it will be about being recognised as a market leader - we want to be synonymous with rare, gaming NFTs. This is definitely a long term proposition for the company. We have a ton of plans in the pipeline, many of which I can’t talk about just yet. Next year there will be lots more news I can share but for now it’s about defining our strategy and making sure that when we do reveal all. It will have been worth the wait!
Read moreIt was only last month that Kinguin Founder, Viktor Romaniuk Wanli announced the company’s plan to promote three talented Kinguin employees to the role of acting CEO on a 6-month rotational basis. Triggered by his desire to continue to evolve and improve the business for its customers, employees and partners, it signalled a fresh start.Brandon Doerfler, the first of the three employees to take up the acting CEO position has already made a huge impact, despite only being in the role for two months. We found time to chat with Brandon where he told us about his people first philosophy and why this is front and centre to his plans. The ambitious, analytic and funny (his own words) professional also shared some of the challenges and learnings of his first two months in the role, as well as his aspirations for Kinguin’s future. Kinguin approached me earlier this year and asked if I was interested in joining as their CFO. I recognised, having spent the last 15 years working in financial services, that this was a now or never opportunity that I couldn’t turn down. So I decided to return to my Polish roots and enter what I consider to be an exciting and dynamic industry and joined Kinguin in May. Shortly afterwards, following some internal changes, I was then asked if I would like to take on the role of acting rotational CEO alongside two other colleagues. It was an easy yes! Taking this position at Kinguin offers the opportunity to put my existing financial prowess to good use while also allowing me to develop and deepen my knowledge in new areas, which is important to me. In recent months, Kinguin has gone from strength to strength hitting multiple key milestones including reaching 10 million customers and almost tripling GMV on a year on year basis. But it is also facing challenges. The company suffers from its relatively young age and operates with an entrepreneurial approach, often lacking structure. It is therefore my ambition to strip everything back to its foundations and work on cementing a strong infrastructure into the DNA of the company - this is how we will ensure relevance and encourage growth.My starting point in this journey is people because they are our greatest assets and advocates. It is people who will make or break a company. You simply can’t be successful without a healthy culture and that means hiring and retaining talent, encouraging diversity and celebrating different perspectives.And it’s easy to sit here and say these things because words are cheap. What’s important is putting it into action. So the first thing I’ve tackled since coming into this role are performance reviews. Often underrated these help us recognise and reward talent but equally, highlight underperformance. It is only when we understand where there are issues that we can provide the required tools to tackle it. And, it’s not just about implementing the right processes either, it’s about ensuring they’re adopted and retained. I always liken it to when Gordon Ramsay visits failing restaurants during his show ‘Kitchen Nightmares’. He helps restaurateurs get to the root of their problems and creates a clear path which, if followed, will put them back on track. It is only if they avoid the pitfall of returning to their bad habits that they will succeed. It’s the same with what we’re trying to do at Kinguin.One of the biggest challenges we’re facing is that this isn’t the first time that Kinguin has undergone significant changes and, as a result, there are fears and doubts. A lot of people’s actions are guided by the past but that shouldn’t define our future. Learning to steer our team through this with a new view of optimism and showing them that the changes we’re implementing are positive is the first step in fostering trust and building confidence. And that’s key.In terms of future aspirations, I want Kinguin to continue looking at operational efficiency. I’m a big believer in driving a metrics and business intelligence approach. Otherwise how do you keep people accountable? But it’s important to blend qualitative and quantitative goals. Ultimately, I’d like to hand over this role feeling like I’d set some solid ground work in this area.It may only have been two months since I took on this role but it feels a lot longer when I consider what we’ve achieved. In the following months there will be many more challenges to overcome, as well as a host of learnings, but what I’m really proud of is that we’re coming together to resolve them, as a team. To me, that speaks volumes about the type of people who work at this company and the culture we’re already building.
Read moreE-commerce is currently one of the fastest-growing businesses globally, mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic. At this time, many gamers decide on buying digital game keys from e-commerce gaming stores. This trend is only going to grow with time, due to the pandemic and simple convenience. According to the Global Ecommerce Forecast 2021, e-commerce retail sales worldwide climbed by 25.7% in 2020, to a massive 4.213 trillion dollars, while total retail sales worldwide dropped by 2.8% in the same year. With so many brick-and-mortar stores being closed due to the pandemic, many businesses set their eyes on selling their goods online. If you are looking to open your own online business or expand the existing one, this article will tell you how to choose the best payment methods, based on the example of the Kinguin.net marketplace.Which payment method is the most popular?Here are the three of the most commonly used payment methods out of all 100+ available at Kinguin.net:PayPal With over 361 million active users, PayPal is one of the most common payment methods globally. In recent years, more than 50% of customers use this payment method at Kinguin.net. PayPal can be linked to a debit/credit card of either a business or personal account. It’s a perfect fit for an online store as it accepts and processes payments without any hassle. As a seller, it is very important that your business information is safe and secure. Paypal has a seller protection program which depends on the country/state you’re in. This feature allows Sellers to oppose unauthorized transactions, disputes, and non-receive items. The biggest advantage for the seller is that by using a registered email address, it can send payments worldwide instantly. This payment method can be used by both sellers and buyers, via desktop or mobile application. For more information about Paypal, visit their website.Credit/Debit Card Credit/Debit Cards are also one of the best and most commonly used payment methods as it allows to automatically deduct the payment amount from a personal or business account. Around 25% of all the transactions at Kinguin.net are made with credit and debit cards. Once the user registers the account and uses their card as a payment method in an online store, he will be asked for the bank details. This is usually a one-time process. One of the advantages of credit/debit cards is that, once the store has the details saved, it reduces hassle for both parties as the store doesn’t have to repeatedly inquire about the card data and the transaction happens more quickly. It is usually used for B2B transactions and for users who prefer online shopping. Bank Transfer Around 5% of total transactions at Kinguin.net are based on bank transfers. This process allows the user to not disclose any information about their bank account. Bank transfer is also used if an online shopper or a business owner wants to top up funds to an online store. However, not all stores offer this as their payment option. If the user is enrolled in online banking, it allows them to transfer funds to another bank without any problem. This process can be done once or recurrently, depending on the user's need. According to Jujelyn Villanueva, Sales Development Specialist at Kinguin, ‘PayPal, bank transfer and credit/debit cards are the most commonly used payment methods at Kinguin.net, a global gaming marketplace with over 10 million registered users. We usually suggest Bank Transfer to our biggest API partners, as it is easier to operate on a vast number of transactions.’What is the payment process via Application Programming Integration (API) in Kinguin.net?Kinguin API for e-commerce is a digital key distribution system based on the Application Programming Interface (API). It enables online stores, blogs, information websites, affiliate services, and all entrepreneurs operating on the Internet to monetize their business, utilizing the potential of the gaming industry customers. API is an intermediary software which allows two applications to “talk” to each other. With our API, Kinguin provides the sellers with services to integrate their stores with the marketplace and easily import product lists, containing current product attributes and prices determined by the seller themselves.How does the payment process look like?The customer pays for the product via an external service. Kinguin is not involved at any stage of the purchase.In order to pay via bank transfer you may use:A direct deposit – the customer goes directly to their bank and deposits the money to where they want to send it.Online banking – the customer who enrolled their account to the online banking can easily perform an online bank transfer. The only thing the customer needs is the bank account information of the person/company they want to transfer money to.Customer support/direct message – on Kinguin.net, the customer has the option to directly contact customer support in case of having any difficulties sending the payment through. The customer can also send a direct message to the appropriate person in charge: Oskar Murglin (Delivery Manager) or Jujelyn Villanueva (Sales Development Specialist).After a successful payment, the external store sends the information about the order to Kinguin.net. The so-called BALANCE is created, which means that Kinguin.net charges the user and continues the shipment of the order.What is BALANCE?Let’s use an example: You are the owner of an online store, but you don’t currently have any games. You can connect to the Kinguin.net API and access over 24,000 digital gaming products and more.Once you have access, if a customer buys the game in your store, then the funds are deducted from your BALANCE account, which is your Kinguin currency that you topped up earlier. If the customer does not sell any game in their shop, the money/balance will be refunded.Balance, in a sense, freezes a certain amount of money. However, it does guarantee that the payment covers only the goods sold.Summary:To sum up, while choosing the best payment method, we should always consider which is the most convenient as well as the safest one. We must think about the privacy protection of our bank accounts as they always include personal information that may be used in a fraudulent transaction. Since it is very important for a gaming store to have online payments available, we should always choose the fastest way to complete it. In our opinion, PayPal is the most secure, quickest and convenient payment method as shown clearly by the preferences of our customers.
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